No Labor During Genocide
A walk through the Flood NYC For Gaza Labor Day Fundraiser
By: Mikayla Emerson
September 2, 2024
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.
5:49 pm
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 in 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.
6:30 pm
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.
6:36 pm
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. I bow my head and we exchange our thank you’s.
7:04 pm
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.
