Michael Rapaport Criticizes NY Leadership After Anti-Israel Protest Outside Manhattan Synagogue

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:21:00 +0200

Comedian Michael Rapaport publicly condemned New York leadership following a protest outside Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, where around 100 demonstrators gathered. Anti-Israel protesters, some waving Palestinian flags and wearing traditional kaffiyehs, shouted slogans including 'Israel should not exist' and 'Palestine will never die.' Pro-Israel demonstrators were also present, waving Israeli and American flags, while police intervened to maintain order and separate the groups. Rapaport took to social media, criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul for inaction and demanding she resign, citing previous failures to implement protective measures around religious institutions. The protest, organized by Pal-Awda NY/NJ, mirrored an earlier demonstration at the same location in November, which prompted the New York City Council to pass legislation allowing police to install protective barriers around synagogues during protests. Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not sign the legislation, allowing it to t