Pro-Palestine group shares 'zone of direct action' map of NYC institutions, Internet wants FBI probe
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A pro-Palestinian activist collective, Within Our Lifetime, has sparked alarm after sharing a 'zone of direct actions' map featuring New York City's newsrooms, businesses, and landmark buildings, and calling for an attempt to "globalize the intifada," as per New York Post.
Within Our Lifetime group calls for mobilization at listed sites
The map, which identified locations associated with entities deemed as adversaries by the group, was accompanied by a chilling call to action in a now-deleted Wednesday night post.
The message invoked a strong response, stating, "Today and beyond, these locations will be sites for popular mobilization in defense of our people," echoing sentiments aligned with the Palestine Liberation Organization's mantra adopted by Hamas.
City officials swiftly condemned the post, labeling it as hateful rhetoric that aims to sow division within New York. A spokesperson from City Hall reiterated Mayor Eric Adams' stance against hate, assuring continuous monitoring and deployment of NYPD resources to safeguard public safety at the listed locations.
Lawmakers and community leaders also voiced their condemnation, labeling the messaging as an incitement to violence against Jewish institutions.
Democratic representatives Ritchie Torres and Mark Levine highlighted the dangerous nature of such rhetoric, denouncing it as an unacceptable call for senseless violence and incitement against predominantly Jewish institutions.
The NYPD confirmed awareness of the contentious map and assured measures were being taken to address the situation, emphasizing the protection of public safety at the listed locations.
Polls indicate significant level of support for Hamas among college students
Meanwhile, Within Our Lifetime organized a "peaceful rally" in Washington Square Park, calling for an end to ongoing conflicts and holding universities accountable for complicity.
Recent events at New York University and CUNY School of Law drew attention, with protests regarding alleged antisemitic environments and canceled events.
As tensions continue, recent polls indicate a significant level of support for Hamas among college students, reflecting an increasing polarization of opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Recent statistics reveal a surge in anti-Jewish incidents across the five boroughs, coinciding with escalations in the Middle East conflict. The death toll and the toll on civilian lives remain a source of contention and discrepancy between Hamas and Israeli officials.
Internet reacts strongly to Within Our Lifetime's map targeting NYC institutions
The internet reacted strongly to Within Our Lifetime's map targeting NYC institutions. Comments expressed deep concern and urgency.
One user on X emphasized the gravity, stating, "This is highly concerning. These threats need to be taken seriously asap or something bad is gonna happen." Another user suggested investigating followers, saying, "Any American following that account should be investigated by the FBI."
This is highly concerning. These threats need to be taken seriously asap or something bad is gonna happen and they are going to wonder where all the signs were. They are right here and being ignored. This is why we don’t want to take in Gaza refugees. Our safety in this country…
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) November 17, 2023
Any american following that account should be investigated by the FBI and anyone over seas that is following the account should be flagged to additional screening should they try to enter our country.
— Josh (@Josh_D78) November 17, 2023
A third user pleaded, "Please notify Homeland Security," underlining the urgency of the situation. Another commenter asserted, "This has to be illegal," emphasizing the potential legal ramifications of the map's dissemination.
Moreover, a fifth user labeled the situation as terrorism, demanding immediate action, stating, "And that is called terrorism. New York FBI needs to look into this ASAP."
And that is called terrorism. @NewYorkFBI needs to look into this ASAP!
— Rustyhath (@rustyhath) November 17, 2023