Met Gala chaos: Anti-Israel protesters vandalize and clash with NYPD

On May 5, the Met Gala, fashion’s premier event at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, was upended by violent anti-Israel protests, as hundreds of demonstrators targeted the star-studded fundraiser with aggressive actions. While celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Zendaya walked the red carpet, protesters, organized by the group Within Our Lifetime under a “Day of Rage” banner, amassed at 1100 Madison Avenue, brandishing “Free Palestine” signs and attempting to breach NYPD barricades. The group, notorious for exploiting cultural events to push anti-Israel propaganda, escalated tensions by charging security lines, with one protester shoving a journalist and others defacing the nearby 107th Infantry Memorial with “Gaza” graffiti and Palestinian flag stickers, actions widely condemned as anti-Semitic and disrespectful to historic monuments in remembrance of the fallen.

The NYPD, recalling last year’s clash when over 1,000 pro-Hamas marchers were stopped, acted swiftly in the rain, escorting agitators away to maintain order. Counter-protesters, waving Israeli flags and singing “Am Yisrael Chai,” offered a defiant show of solidarity with Israel, countering the protesters’ narrative, which often falsely portrays Israel as the sole aggressor in the Gaza conflict. A 2024 Anti-Defamation League report notes a surge in such protests, with anti-Semitic incidents in New York rising 60% since October 2023, frequently targeting Jewish communities under the guise of anti-Zionism.

The Met Gala, established in 1946, raises millions for the Costume Institute but has become a lightning rod for anti-Israel groups seeking to disrupt high-profile events. Within Our Lifetime’s tactics, including vandalism and intimidation, reflect a broader pattern of exploiting cultural platforms to spread disinformation, as seen in similar protests at universities and public venues. NYPD’s response ensured the gala continued, but the incident highlighted the challenge of protecting cultural spaces from politically motivated violence. Community leaders called for stronger measures to combat such disruptions, emphasizing the need to safeguard Jewish attendees and denounce hate-fueled propaganda at events meant to celebrate art and philanthropy.