Anti-Israel NYC protests are a tunnel too far: Letters

The Issue: Monday’s closures by anti-Israel activists of Lower Manhattan’s bridges and the Holland Tunnel.

The Post reports that 330 anti-Israel protestors were arrested for blocking the Holland Tunnel and other roadways (“Mr. Brooklyn is right: Those protestors are idiots,” Editorial, Jan. 9).

It seems this unlawfulness was squarely directed at drivers, with the goal of inconveniencing regular citizens.

Perhaps those who wish to stop the eradication of Palestinians should consider another form of protest — blocking the subways instead.

Never mind. I don’t think mass-transit riders deserve this disrespect, either.

Paul Burgdorf

Latham

If the goal of these protesters was to make the country less supportive of their cause by blocking bridges and tunnels — and preventing people from getting to their destinations — then they accomplished their mission.

My hat’s off to the gentleman who called them idiots.

Judy Eggert

Long Branch, NJ

I understand the anger that people feel about the horrible situation in Gaza when they see pictures of it.

However, that doesn’t give anybody the right to block bridges, streets and tunnels. Those who do must be punished severely as their reckless actions potentially prevent emergency vehicles from operating properly. This punishment should be harsh enough to act as a deterrent to others.

This also applies to anybody who prevents elected officials or government workers from performing their duties.

Alan Podhaizer

Brooklyn

I want to write in to convey my apprehension regarding the recent protests orchestrated by leftists, which resulted in the blockage of bridges and a tunnel in New York City.

Though I share concerns about the disruptions caused to everyday commuters, I feel compelled to shed light on the dire situation unfolding in Gaza.

Israel’s military actions have exacted a heavy toll — with the death toll surpassing 22,000 and over 57,000 individuals reported injured since Oct. 7.

These stark numbers are shocking considering the significant proportion of women and children among the casualties. It paints a distressing picture of the ongoing crisis that nobody can ignore.
And both the airstrikes and ground attacks persist in southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have taken refuge.

I think it’s necessary to acknowledge the complexities of both local and global conflicts — even if we think the actions to bring awareness are not themselves all that justified.

Arthur Gutman

Great Neck

The chaos being caused by these antisemitic protesters is getting completely out of control. Their antics are totally disruptive to the lives of all the citizens attempting to get to work, people who just want to live their lives without having to put up with the selfish antics of these protesters.

So it is time for these protesters to be held accountable for the costs that New York City is incurring due to their self-centered actions.

Jail time must be mandatory and severe fines should be levied to offset the costs inflicted by these actions. It is time for mandatory 30-day jail sentences and $10,000 fines for all those arrested while participating in these unlawful acts of civil disruption.

Actions have consequences, and these protesters must be taught a lesson before someone gets hurt.

Alan Brooks

Brooklyn

It is time to get tough with these unruly and potentially dangerous protesters engaging in political stunts. Their totally uninformed support for Hamas’ evil is utterly misguided and their tactics are despicable.

Richard Wilkins

Syracuse

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