A rare quiet descended upon New York City, a stillness unusual in the city that never sleeps. around me, a palpable sense of unity permeated the crowd. To my left, a couple clasped hands, heads bowed in shared emotion. To my right, a young boy gazed up at his father, who returned the look with a solemn expression. There was a feeling of solidarity,a silent understanding that those nearby would offer unwavering support. One felt the crowd would stand together against any adversity.
One voice at a time, the crowd resumed chanting. Despite being falsely portrayed as violent by some, their words resonated with love and compassion. Immigrants are welcome here. No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here. The people united will never be defeated.
“As a New Yorker, an American, and a public school teacher, I love my neighbors and my city,” Esther Gottesman, bundled in a luminous pink scarf, shared with me. “And I believe that loving a place means fighting for what’s right, standing up for each other, and taking care of each other.”
“What’s happening is unacceptable, and it’s not the America I want to be a part of,” she continued.”It’s our obligation to stand up against it, again and again.”
Oliver, a recent mechanical engineering graduate, added, “All Americans, all immigrants, anyone who calls this great land home, must show up.”
As the crowd dispersed peacefully, individuals made their way to the low wall bordering the VA hospital to create a memorial. Each person carefully placed a candle, bowed their head in a moment of silence. it was a collective expression of grief and remembrance. Flowers and framed photographs of individuals impacted by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) actions were placed among the candles. A shared understanding hung in the air: any one of us could have been in their place. A sign read: May we all be granted your courage.
Walking away from the vigil, feeling emotionally drained, I trailed behind those who lingered to mourn. I stopped, noticing a cardstock poster stuck in the snowbank, a lone plastic candle flickering in front of it.Justice for Pretti, it declared. Alex Pretti. Hero.
Worth a look