Activists came together to call attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to express their frustration with university administrations that continue to capitulate to the Trump administration. Among the notable actions was a protest outside Senator Chuck Schumer’s office in New York City, which led to mass arrests, including elected officials Tiffany Caban and Claire Valdez.
With rising tensions, the Gaza crisis has sparked protests against the war. Families are on the brink of famine, and children are already falling victim to severe malnutrition. Demonstrators called for immediate action, stressing that the starvation crisis in Gaza has hit a tipping point. Climate activists planned a week of disruptive protests. They energetically protested the paltry amount of assistance going to the area.
Prominent among those speaking out was Rashid Khalidi, who recently canceled his fall 2025 lecture course at a university, citing its compliance with the previous administration’s policies. In a letter published by The Guardian, Khalidi stated that the deal “constitutes the antithesis of academic freedom.” His actions point to a larger pro-Gaza movement gaining traction on campus. This growing movement was just dealt a legal blow by former President Trump’s charges of antisemitism.
She was right—protests broke out nationwide. In Los Angeles, residents marched with a creative and rhythmic demonstration to bang pots and pans, and climate activists rallied outside the New York Times building in Manhattan. Indigenous and environmental protesters painted a clear message across the side of Enbridge’s building. One of the slogans prominently featured was “NYT lies, Gaza dies,” encapsulating the frustration aimed at media portrayal of the situation.
Jay Saper, a spokesperson for Jewish Voice for Peace, added his voice to the chorus demanding action. Then he asked them to stop restricting humanitarian aid into Gaza, starting immediately. To his credit, McCarthy joined with progressives in calling for an end to the bombing. His comments underscore the growing impatience with valuing process over people that is rising among activists. They have been tirelessly attempting to draw attention to the atrocities that civilians in Gaza are experiencing.
Demonstrations flared in other US cities outside of New York City Participants convened in Arlington, Texas, Newark, New Jersey, Houston, Texas, Boise, Idaho, Portland, Oregon, West Hartford, Connecticut, Baltimore, Maryland, and San Jose, California. These protests across the country highlight a national movement calling to protect our communities and a desire to help those affected by this humanitarian crisis.
In the wake of all these great things happening, we heard about at least five lives. They had locked themselves to New York City’s Egyptian Mission to the United Nations and were later arrested. Civil disobedience Protesters have been staging shocking actions to draw attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. They are ringing alarm bells for academic freedom on U.S. campus.