I have been photographing the protests in New York since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last October. This series was taken this spring.

The main focus is on the Columbia University encampment. After the university issued a 2 PM deadline on April 29th for students to vacate or face suspension, students staged a mass campus-wide protest. This was part of a broader movement seen across various universities in the United States, where students have been advocating for Palestinian rights and calling for their universities to divest from Israel.

Shortly after midnight on April 30th, pro-Palestine students took over Hamilton Hall. The occupation was a significant escalation of the protests, symbolizing the students' determination to make their voices heard. The NYPD intervened that evening, using tactical vehicles to gain access to the building and clear the students out. The police operation resulted in several arrests, highlighting the tension and high stakes of the situation.

Together, these photos provide a vivid portrayal of the protests against Israel in New York City. They capture the raw emotions, the sense of urgency, and the diverse participation in these events. Each image tells a part of the story, from personal confrontations to large-scale demonstrations, emphasizing the complexity and intensity of the issues at hand.