Unidentified Individuals Vandalize NYC Landmarks Under Banner of Palestine Support
Pro-Palestinian Group's Disruptive Protests Continue Across New York City
A series of contentious protests led by the pro-Palestinian organisation, Within Our Lifetime (WOL), have been making headlines in New York City. The group, founded by Nerdeen Kiswani, has been at the centre of several high-profile incidents, despite Kiswani's multiple arrests.
One of the most notable events organised by WOL was the "Day of Rage" protest, which resulted in vandalism of the 107th Infantry Memorial, burning of an American flag, clashes with police, and vandalism, damage to artwork, and encampment setup at the Brooklyn Museum. The Brooklyn Museum refused to press charges against those who were arrested during the occupation of its lobby, citing "police brutality".
Kiswani, who is also the chairwoman of WOL, has been a prominent figure in these protests. She has been seen alongside Khaled Barakat, the leader of Masar Badil, at a controversial event held at Columbia University. Masar Badil, an organisation with ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), has called on its supporters to target Zionist embassies.
Charlotte Kates, the founder of Samidoun, a designated front for the PFLP, was also a panelist at the same event. Samidoun has been a major player in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with the United Nations being a particular target. The Egyptian and Jordanian missions and consulates were also targeted, with activists accusing officials of ethnic traitorship or normalizing Israel.
The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, has been involved in these incidents, as he dropped charges against Columbia University students and declined to prosecute numerous criminal summonses from pro-Palestine demonstrations across the city. This decision has been criticised by some, who believe it contributes to a lack of accountability for WOL's actions.
Diversion programs like Project Reset, which make summonses vanish, have been a point of contention in this regard. City leaders and law enforcement must draw a clear line between protected speech and lawless action, and prosecute those who break the law while hiding behind the mantle of protest.
WOL has continued its disruptive activity, including clashing with police outside Grand Central Station, a protest at Tisch Hospital, the chaotic "Nakba Day" demonstration, and events targeting visiting Israeli government officials. The group has also organised events such as "Flood Manhattan for Gaza" and "Christmas is Canceled", resulting in arrests, vandalized NYPD cruisers, and street fights.
As of September 2025, there are no relevant search results describing current protests by Within Our Lifetime against the United Nations. However, the group's activities have raised questions about the boundaries of free speech and civil disobedience, and the role of law enforcement in maintaining order while respecting these rights.
Kiswani and Kates have been seen together on panels with CUNY 4 Palestine and the Democratic Socialists of America International, indicating a wider network of support for WOL's cause. Frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a New York City councilman, has also participated in WOL's protests in the past.
These developments highlight the ongoing tension between pro-Palestinian activism and the maintenance of public order in New York City. As the city grapples with these issues, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve in the coming months.
