A massive protest in Manhattan calls for a “global intifada,” igniting bipartisan efforts to classify the phrase as incitement to violence. Massive Protest Sparks Legislative Action On August 17, 2025, a large-scale protest erupted in Manhattan, drawing thousands of demonstrators calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel. The rally, organized under the banners “Stand with Gaza” and “Stop Starving Gaza: Mass March for Humanity,” featured chants of “global intifada,” a phrase that has become a flashpoint in debates over free speech and incitement to violence. The protest underscored the deep divisions in U.S. society over Middle Eastern policy. Bipartisan Efforts to Condemn the Slogan In response to the protest and its inflammatory language, bipartisan lawmakers, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Rudy Yakym (R-IN), swiftly introduced legislation to formally condemn the slogan “global intifada” as a call to violence. The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns over antisemitism and public safety by potentially categorizing the phrase as hate speech. This legislative effort highlights the complexities of balancing free speech rights with the need to curb hate speech and incitement. The protest’s alignment with broader global and national debates on Israel, Gaza, and U.S. foreign policy has intensified scrutiny on policymakers. The ongoing legislative process will test the boundaries of protest rights in America, with implications for both free speech and antisemitism. Impacts and Reactions The use of “global intifada” in such a public forum has sparked a heated debate over its interpretation. Critics argue it incites violence against Jewish communities, while some protest organizers frame it as a call for solidarity against perceived oppression. The lack of consensus on the phrase’s meaning has fueled tensions within political circles and among advocacy groups. As the legislation progresses through Congress, it will serve as a crucial test of how the U.S. handles protest language that straddles the line between free speech and hate speech. Thousands storm Manhattan calling for 'global intifada,' a phrase with a pending violence designationhttps://t.co/zdAF8mqccW — Brenda Tharpe (@Bre50015Brenda) August 18, 2025 Sources: Fox News Digital AOL News CBS News New York