An anti-Israel demonstration shut down Grand Central Terminal’s iconic main concourse to rush-hour travelers Thursday evening over security concerns before hundreds of angry protesters marched downtown.
Several protesters were arrested in the demonstration, dubbed “Flood New York for Gaza,” which was organized by the Palestinian activist group Within in Our Lifetime.
Protesters converged on Pershing Square outside of Grand Central Terminal around 5:30 p.m., where they briefly clashed with about 50 pro-Israel counter-protesters.
The crowd quickly ballooned to hundreds strong — many of them masked — as they took to the streets and headed down Park Avenue, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine.”
Police closely followed behind the marchers with batons and zip ties at the ready to make arrests. By the time they reached Plaza 33 near Penn Station, the crowd had grown in size to roughly 1,000 people.
“Raise your hand if you’re not a Zionist!” one activist yelled to the sea of protesters, who raised their hands in support.
At least eight protesters were arrested as the demonstrators weaved their way through Manhattan to Washington Square Park, according to law enforcement sources.
MTA workers were on scene to give travelers directions. AFP via Getty Images
Police restricted several entrances to Grand Central Terminal. AFP via Getty ImagesA Post reporter witnessed six protesters being hauled away by police, including one man who got in a tug-of-war match with officers over a Palestinian flag.
Two others were seen being tackled to the ground by cops as protesters swarmed around the arresting officers.
Earlier Thursday afternoon, The MTA announced that Grand Central Terminal’s main concourse was closed to travelers ahead of the protests.
The station’s main concourse was closed due to anti-Israel protests. AFP via Getty ImagesDozens of police officers were scattered throughout the station, with many entrances blocked off by metal fencing while MTA officials gave directions to confused commuters.
“Expect Main Concourse access restrictions in Grand Central today because of demonstrations in the area,” the MTA said in a statement. “Follow guidance from MTA personnel or the police. Use TrainTime to confirm your departure track, as it may change.”
Train delays were not expected, a spokesperson told The Post.
Access was limited at the 1 Vanderbilt entrance, the Lexington Passage and Graybar Passageway. Commuters were able enter the station at the Vanderbilt and 42nd Street entrance and the doors and the “105” doors at the entrance of the 4-5-6-7 subways, the MTA said.
The Long Island Rail Road and Metro North urged commuters to “build in extra travel time to access the terminal.”
Within Our Lifetime bragged about causing the commuter chaos.
“We shut down Grand Central before even showing up,” the group posted on X. “The NYPD is so afraid of our mobilization that they have blocked off entrances and established checkpoints at the station.”
Additional reporting by Larry Celona.
