Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters swarm the streets to derail the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting

NEW YORK CITY, NY - On Wednesday, November 29th, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters filled the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center, clashing with New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and chanting anti-Semitic slurs like, "River to sea."

As they gathered along Sixth Avenue, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held up signs, calling for the "end to genocide." Seven people were arrested after fights broke out, all the while thousands of tourists gathered to watch the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. 

According to CBS News, the NYPD was expecting the demonstration and in response, amped up its security full well knowing that it would be a chaotic scene with the protest practically on top of the tree lighting. They ordered a "high security presence," warning that "elevated vigilance" is necessary during this year's Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.

In their effort to derail the iconic tree lighting ceremony, the large crowd instead swarmed around the tree outside the News Corp building, which houses The Post and Fox News, both of which have already been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters on more than two occasions. 

Protesters chanted over and over again, "Free, free Palestine!" One protester was reportedly seen climbing on top of the pillar bearing the building's address and another was seen carrying a massive sign bearing a swastika, comparing it to the Israeli military. NYPD officers kept pushing back the crowds, who shoved back, calling the officers, "(expletive) Nazis."

The protesters would not stop. They attempted to knock down the barricades officers had put up to keep them separate from those hoping to enjoy the Christmas tree lighting. According to The Post, pro-Palestinian organizers announced their plans to "disrupt" the festivities days before, noting that the world-renowned celebration also falls on the UN-recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. 

As the demonstration amped up, additional NYPD officer units were called in because officers were being attacked. One officer said, "They should have shut it down. They lost control of the street. I was shoved, punched, kicked. It's (expletive)." Another officer called it, "complete chaos."

Thousands of tourists who were trying to enjoy the annual tree lighting were annoyed with the rambunctious demonstration. Jamie Fry, 42, who flew in from the United Kingdom to watch the tree lighting, said that the protest was "very annoying."

Fry added, "I had planned my holiday around this event, being a big fan of Christmas. Now I'm walled in by a bunch of terrorist-loving (expletive) calling for intifada. Their strategy for sympathy is disruption, but all they'll get out of me is a big (expletive) you."

Opal Burnett, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, called the disruption an embarrassment. She said, "It's super, super annoying. Just excruciating. Seeing these people in such large amounts, it makes me feel embarrassed to be an American because people are watching this happening from abroad. Kudos to the cops for keeping these people under control and for showing restraint because they deal with a lot of verbal abuse."

Lillian Gonzalez, 40, of the Bronx, said, "Politics has no place at an event like this, but that's exactly why they do it. To disrupt the status quo, to ruin the things we cherish and take comfort in." She added, "The Christmas tree brings a message of peace, not conflict. That's why we're gathered here today, not to protest but to welcome in the holiday season. None of this mob activity is going to take that away from us."

CBS News reported that one of the people arrested during the protest faces a felony charge of criminal mischief and six others were issued desk appearance tickets for obstructing governmental administration. A 15-year-old was also issued a juvenile report. 

In a statement, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said, "This is the ebb and flow of protests. We try to keep it calm, we let them move, we let them exercise their right. Sometimes things get a little hectic, but we're gonna do our best out here to keep everybody safe."