Palestinian Advocates Establish Tents in New Orleans' Jackson Square Amid Nationwide Protests

By Muhammad Fahad

| Published Apr 29, 2024 | 10:26 a.m.

About three dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Jackson Square on Sunday afternoon, establishing a visible presence with their signs, Palestinian flags, and around 10 green tents arranged on the lawn encircling the statue of Andrew Jackson.

As the pe

aceful protest unfolded around 5 p.m., New Orleans police maintained a watchful eye from the perimeter sidewalk that encircles the statue within the square's gates.

Throughout the gathering, one protester burned incense, adding a poignant aroma to the atmosphere, while others engaged in dance and shared food from paper plates, fostering a sense of community amidst the advocacy.

The signs displayed a range of messages, with some calling for a ceasefire and advocating for Palestinian freedom, while others directed attention towards oil companies and the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Palestinian Advocates Establish Tents

A protester utilized a noise machine to amplify their message, highlighting the demonstration's alignment with nationwide protests by college students decrying the conflict in Gaza and the U.S. government's backing of Israel.

However, amid the demonstration, a police officer noted that erecting tents is prohibited in Jackson Square, though it remained unclear whether the New Orleans Police Department intended to take action to remove them. By 5:30 p.m., four police officers were present at the scene.

This gathering marks at least the third pro-Palestinian protest in New Orleans within the past week. Earlier instances included a brief shutdown of Poydras Street in the Central Business District by a small protest on Wednesday evening, and a gathering of Tulane and Loyola university students on St. Charles Avenue on Friday, which temporarily halted traffic along the Uptown thoroughfare.

These demonstrations underscore the local resonance of global issues, as individuals in New Orleans join a chorus of voices across the United States and beyond, advocating for justice and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In the historic setting of Jackson Square, amid the iconic backdrop of Andrew Jackson's statue, the message of Palestinian support reverberates, demanding attention and action from the broader community.