At least 26 protesters were arrested during an anti-Israel demonstration that blocked a road to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, police said.
The protest began around 11 a.m. when about five cars abruptly stopped on the Van Wyck Expressway in front of an Israeli flag flying near the Queens airport’s Terminal 4.
Some protesters got out of their vehicles and unfurled a banner saying “Right to return home” and “Divest from genocide.”
Videos posted to social media later showed as many as 40 people with their hands linked blocking traffic on the highway and on a service road, forcing travelers to walk to their terminals in the rain with their luggage.
The protesters could be seen chanting “From the river to the sea,” a slogan that many view as a call for the elimination of Israel, and “Free, free Palestine” as they waved Palestinian flags.
Exasperated travelers could also be seen exiting their taxis and continuing their trek to the airport on foot, including one man seen by a Post photographer asking Port Authority Police Department officers why they could not remove the protesters.
The demonstration continued for about a half-hour as more Port Authority cops arrived, with the officers eventually springing into action and handcuffing the protesters who continued to chant.
As demonstrators were led away, others broke up their chain, allowing cars and buses to once again pass through.
The protesters, meanwhile, were seen with their hands cuffed behind their backs sitting on the sidewalk before they were placed inside an MTA bus.
At least 26 people were taken into custody and later released with desk appearance tickets, police sources said.
No fights broke out during the protest, and one of the demonstrators was spotted apparently handing one of the blocked cab drivers a $50 bill for the inconvenience.
The protest came as a similar one was taking place outside the Los Angeles International Airport in Southern California.
Videos from the demonstration in Los Angeles showed another group of at least two dozen people holding up signs in the middle of the street that read: “Ceasefire not enough. Land back! Free Palestine.”
Police in apparent riot gear could also be seen in another video approaching the protesters.
When officers arrived, the protesters ran off in different directions — while those who were not fast enough were taken into custody.
Shortly after 10 a.m. local time, at least a dozen protesters were detained, according to Fox 11.
In a statement on X, the LAPD said it was “aware of an ongoing protest in the LAX area.”
“Traffic in the area is currently impacted. Please avoid the area and continue to monitor for updates.”
An LAPD spokesperson said cops arrested 35 people for rioting, and one for battery on a police officer.
https://nypost.com/2023/12/27/news/anti-israel-protesters-arrested-for-blocking-traffic-to-jfk/
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