A graduate of CUNY Law School, Nerdeen Kiswani, who leads the anti-Israel group Within Our Lifetime, was recently arrested during a protest in Manhattan. She was among dozens of protestors who were detained by the NYPD after chaos erupted during the march. Kiswani and others were charged with offenses such as assault and resisting arrest, but were later released on a criminal court summons. Kiswani, known for her controversial views on Israel, was seen grinning and cheering with supporters upon her release.
As part of the protest, Kiswani and other protestors chanted anti-Israel slogans and called for the freedom of Palestine. Within Our Lifetime, the group she leads, frequently organizes protests in New York City to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite her arrest, Kiswani remained defiant and continued to advocate for the Palestinian cause. Kiswani has a history of activism dating back to her days as a student at CUNY Law, where she was involved in Students for Justice in Palestine.
Kiswani, a daughter of Palestinian refugees, has been accused of spreading antisemitic tropes and expressing extreme anti-Zionist rhetoric by organizations such as the Anti Defamation League. She has been instrumental in organizing anti-Israel protests in New York City, causing disruptions and attracting supporters from various groups. While the protests are seen as grassroots in nature, some believe they are fueled by funding from leftist philanthropists, including George Soros, who has supported groups behind recent anti-Israel demonstrations.
The tactics used by Kiswani and other protestors have raised concerns among pro-Israel activists and organizations like the ADL. Some protesters have been seen waving flags associated with groups like Hezbollah and Iran, as well as wearing symbols of Hamas. These actions have been criticized as advocating for violence and terrorism against Israel. Despite the backlash, Kiswani and her group continue to organize protests and advocate for the Palestinian cause, drawing both support and criticism from various quarters. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East remains a highly polarizing issue that continues to spark tensions and controversies in the United States and beyond.
