Over 150 people arrested at massive pro-Palestine rallies across Tri-State
BAY RIDGE, Brooklyn (WABC) -- The Tri-State had a weekend filled with both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel rallies, that ended with 161 people arrested.
On Friday, nearly 140 people were charged with disorderly conduct for blocking traffic during a demonstration. They were summonsed and later released, authorities said.
Then in Brooklyn on Saturday, 19 adults and multiple juveniles were charged for things like disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
NYPD officers pushed back at the pro-Palestine protesters and ordered them out of the roadway. The rally continued into the night with tensions eventually flaring between officers and demonstrators.
The protest started hours earlier on Saturday - and was much more peaceful with thousands taking to 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge. Many marched for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
At Saturday's protest, it was not just the Palestinian community, it was also different members of other communities to voice the same message to free Palestine.
"Just treat the Palestinians as humans. They deserve every human right as any other civilians. Just treat a human as a human. That's all we're asking for," added Saba Tahir.
Protesters in Bay Ridge said they will continue to voice their opinions in order to bring harmony and to make sure no innocent people are killed.
In a part of Paterson known as "Little Palestine," a peaceful demonstration brought people of all different faiths together in solidarity with the civilians in Gaza on Sunday.
The diverse crowd denounced and protested Israel's military response to the attacks on October 7. They also called on members of Congress to consider that it is not just Israelis who are suffering and asked them to support a cease-fire and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"It's more about standing up for humanity. We're tired of protesting, we're tired of posting stuff, we're tired of doing what we're doing, but they're also tired of dying," said Dalia Ahmed, one of the demonstrators in Paterson.
The demonstrators in Paterson Sunday emphasized that none of this is about religion and that Jewish protestors were in attendance as well saying war is not the answer. The community of "Little Palestine" and others are gearing up for a rally in Washington next month.
At 11 a.m., a pro-Israel rally kicked off in Brooklyn. There were musical performances and guest speakers, including Mayor Eric Adams, at the event in Manhattan Beach.
On Long Island, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County hosted a candlelight vigil for Israel at 4 p.m.
WATCH: Eyewitness News Reporter Josh Einiger reports from Israel
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