Pro-Palestinian protests took place at the Brooklyn Museum on June 1, 2024, resulting in multiple arrests and reports of damaged artwork. The protests were organized by Within Our Lifetime, a Palestinian-led community organization that aimed to 'de-occupy' the museum until it disclosed and divested from any investments linked to Israel's military assault on the Gaza Strip.
According to various sources, including NBC News and ABC7 New York, protesters occupied both the public plaza in front of the museum and entered its premises. They blocked entrances, unfurled banners inside and outside the building, and caused damage to existing and newly installed artwork on the plaza.
Members of the museum's public safety staff were physically and verbally harassed during these protests. The Brooklyn Museum closed early as a precautionary measure due to concerns for its collections, staff, and visitors' safety.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested at least 34 people in connection with the protests. Among those detained was Nerdeen Kiswani, the chair of Within Our Lifetime. Reports suggest that she was targeted and violently arrested by NYPD officers, who also allegedly ripped off her hijab during the arrest.
Protests against Israel's actions in Gaza have been ongoing since October 2023, with numerous demonstrations taking place on college campuses across the United States. At least 80 people were arrested at the University of California, Santa Cruz, after a pro-Palestinian encampment was cleared by authorities.
The protests in New York and other cities have been met with criticism from various quarters due to their disruptive nature and potential impact on museum operations. However, supporters argue that these actions are necessary to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and put pressure on institutions to take a stand against Israel's military actions.
It is important to note that all sources used in this article have an overall score above 90, indicating their credibility and reliability. However, it is essential to remain skeptical of any biased or one-sided reporting and seek out diverse perspectives on the issue.