Anti-Israel and pro-Israel protesters shoved and spit on one another outside the Parsons Benefit gala in lower Manhattan Tuesday — as lavish guests tip-toed around the madness and into the college’s annual event.
The opposing factions faced off outside Cipriani Wall Street around 6:30 p.m., not long after the anti-Israel crowd set up a picket line demanding that the Parsons School of Design divest from Israel-backed companies.
Several members of each group rushed up to one another and engaged in some mild pushing on the street until the NYPD stepped in before it escalated.
Well-dressed partygoers were seen weaving through the chaos to get to the police barriers, which were set up to stop the groups from entering the 75th annual benefit — where an individual ticket cost $2,500.
Anti-Israel and pro-Israel protesters shout at each other outside of The Parsons Benefit Gala in Manhattan on May 21, 2024. Adam Gray for the New York PostOn the street corner, a man wearing a Keffiyeh was seen shouting at two counter-protesters with all parties threatening violence.
“What are you going to do about it,” the Keffiyeh-wearing man said.
“Let’s go around the corner if you’re worried about cameras,” the counter-protester replied.
That’s when the second man took a step forward, wagging his finger in the anti-Israel protester’s face.
Guests arrive at the gala as protesters set up a picket line outside Cipriani Wall Street around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Adam Gray for the New York Post
The anti-Israel crowd set up a picket line demanding that the Parsons School of Design divest from Israel-backed companies. Adam Gray for the New York PostThe Keffiyeh-wearing man spit in the face of the advancing man, who immediately returned the favor.
A fellow anti-Israel protester — whose face was covered by a mask and sunglasses — then shoved the spitter away from their group.
“I’ll f–cking mace the s–t out of you,” the one pro-Israel man said.
A pro-Israel supporter clashes with anti-Israel protesters in Manhattan on May 21. 2024. Adam Gray for the New York Post
At least two people were arrested in the mayhem, though it wasn’t clear whether they were charged or issued any summonses. Adam Gray for the New York Post
Several members of each group rushed up to one another and engaged in some mild pushing on the street until the NYPD stepped in before it escalated. Adam Gray for the New York PostThree people were arrested in the mayhem, including a woman who allegedly assaulted a cop, sources said.
Two others were charged with resisting arrest and obstructing government administration.
