In a striking demonstration of solidarity for the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Israel, actor Indya Moore and transgender rights activist Cecilia Gentili were among the hundreds of individuals apprehended during a rally held in New York City. The protest, organized by the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice for Peace, unfolded at the iconic Grand Central Station in Manhattan, paying homage to the ACT UP movement’s takeover of the same transit hub in 1991 to protest the Gulf War.
Grand Central Station was transformed into a sea of activism as thousands of protesters gathered, spilling out into the streets of midtown Manhattan at 6 p.m. Many participants, including Moore and Gentili, donned black shirts emblazoned with the powerful messages “NOT IN OUR NAME” and “CEASEFIRE NOW.” Simultaneously, Gaza experienced a crippling communications blackout, lasting 34 hours, which American officials suspected Israel to be responsible for.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza, which began on October 7, resulted from a surprise attack by the militant group Hamas. The violence has claimed over 1,400 Israeli lives and taken over 200 Israeli hostages, with the majority yet to be reunited with their families. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, a staggering 8,000 Palestinians have perished in the conflict, with a disproportionate number being women and children. Nearly 20,000 individuals have sustained injuries, as reported by the United Nations. The dire situation has left Gaza’s healthcare system in ruins, leaving countless injured Palestinians in critical condition. Since October 9, the Gaza Strip has been under complete siege, obstructing the flow of essential supplies, including water, food, and medicine. Israel has permitted only a trickle of aid to pass through since the start of the siege, as reported by The Guardian.
During the rally on Friday, the New York Police Department (NYPD) detained 335 protesters, with many facing charges related to criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Cecilia Gentili, a renowned activist advocating for trans people, sex workers, and those living with HIV, reflected on her arrest, emphasizing that it pales in comparison to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Gentili echoed the sentiments of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, denouncing Israel’s actions as “collective punishment” of Palestinians and demanding an immediate ceasefire. Indya Moore, in her own social media post, acknowledged their arrest but emphasized that their temporary discomfort cannot compare to the harrowing experiences endured by Gazans.
In a heartfelt message, Moore expressed unwavering support for Palestine, declaring, “Palestine! We love you!” She also highlighted the diverse coalition of individuals standing in solidarity with Gaza, emphasizing that people from all walks of life are joining the fight for justice. Moore addressed the unfortunate backlash she received for voicing explicit support for the queer and trans community in Palestine. She condemned the hateful rhetoric she encountered and reaffirmed that oppression, marginalization, and the denial of rights are unacceptable, regardless of the context. Moore concluded with a powerful declaration, stating, “THE GAYS & THE TRANSSEXUALS DEMAND PALESTINIAN LIBERATION WORLDWIDE!”