It is a protest held on this day, specifically, to portray a broader message, a deeper message. Labor Day. A day meant to honor and recognize the American labor movement. Yet, I had to take the L train and then the F downtown to Judson Memorial Church at 5:30 pm because my job let me off at 5. Special hours. It’s a holiday. Labor Day. But I still have to work because labor means different things to different people. Freedom means different things, too. And so does genocide.
In line. When I first get there, the line to Judson Memorial Church goes around the block, curving onto Washington Square Street, Sullivan Street, and W Third Street like a C. Purple NYU shirts are draped with keffiyehs because, while it might be back to school week in NYC, we know that is not the case for Palestine. My first impression: warmth. I’m waiting in line on the sidewalk to attend this event alone, but I’m welcomed. A girl asks to use my hotspot. I overhear conversations of people catching up, people meeting each other for the first time, people actively deciding to spend their day off here. I’m shy. I write them down. I replay the words exchanged like friendship even among strangers. I know I will remember this. Here. Ahead of me, multiple people wave multiple Palestinian flags. The wind ruffles through them like it, too, knows why we’re here.
First handout. A woman hands out an article criticizing Kamala. Everyone in line takes one. Folding it, stuffing it in their pocket, reading it in the meantime.
Inside. Vendors slide their business cards into my hands. A man projected on the wall from Zoom discusses the state of emergency aid in Gaza. They keep announcing that the line goes out the door. I know. I was just in it. Ran out of cash buying a watermelon keychain. Got chicken shawarma. It is bigger than my forearm. They accepted Apple Pay. I love living in the future. The man who hands me the food makes eye contact with me before doing so, as I bow my head and we both say our thank you’s.
At Washington Square Park. Delicious! Just delicious. Watching kids skate at the park. I did not enter the raffle, so I’m going to finish eating and then head home.
Left park. Played a music game on my phone. Felt calm, cozy, comfortable. Like a big hang out and everyone’s invited.