Officials from both parties condemned a Thursday protest in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, where demonstrators chanted “We support Hamas” near Jewish schools and synagogues. City Comptroller Mark Levine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul and other lawmakers characterized the chants as support for a terrorist organization and as antisemitic intimidation. The episode prompted calls for protection of the Jewish community; Mayor Zohran Mamdani had not yet commented at the time of reporting.
Bipartisan Outrage After Protesters Chant “We Support Hamas” Near Jewish Schools in Queens
NEW YORK, NY- OCTOBER 17: Palestine flag waving during a Free Palestine protest in New York City on October 17, 2023.
Republican and Democratic officials from New York and Washington condemned a Thursday demonstration in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, where a group of protesters chanted “We support Hamas” near several Jewish schools and synagogues.
Widespread Condemnation
City and state leaders called the chants unacceptable and dangerous, framing them as support for a designated terrorist organization and as an act of antisemitic intimidation against a vulnerable community.
Mark Levine, New York City Comptroller: “This rally took place last night in Kew Garden Hills, Queens, a heavily Jewish neighborhood with many schools and synagogues. There is no ambiguity here. This is support of a terrorist organization. This cannot be normalized or excused. Truly reprehensible.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–NY): “Let’s be clear: Hamas is a terrorist organization committed to the destruction of Jews while imposing its brutal rule on Palestinians. Chanting support for Hamas is antisemitic and unacceptable. This hate must have no place in NYC, in the U.S. or around the world, and must be loudly condemned.”
Governor Kathy Hochul (D–NY): “Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the genocide of Jews. No matter your political beliefs, this type of rhetoric is disgusting, it’s dangerous, and it has no place in New York.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R–NY): “This is in Queens, NY. Support for a terrorist organization. Insane.”
Other national figures also weighed in. Senator John Fetterman (D–PA) described the chants as menacing and intimidating, saying the Jewish community deserves protection from those he characterized as antisemites. Senator Katie Britt (R–AL) called the activists’ rhetoric despicable and said it has no place in the United States.
Newsweek contributor Joel Petlin recalled that city leaders previously condemned similar conduct outside houses of worship, noting that vocal denunciations had happened recently.
Local Response
At the time of reporting, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) had not issued a public comment on the demonstration. The incident renewed calls from officials for clear denunciations of support for terrorist organizations and for steps to protect local Jewish institutions and students in the neighborhood.
Authorities and community leaders emphasized the need to balance the right to protest with protecting neighborhoods from rhetoric and actions that target or threaten religious or ethnic groups.
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