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The NYPD is taking no chances with Sunday’s Israel Day Parade in Midtown Manhattan, ordering cops to arrest any protesters without hesitation if they cross the police perimeter.
An internal police memo obtained by The Post shows that New York’s Finest are being ordered to bust any intruders on the parade route for trespassing but being careful not to violate protesters’ free speech.
“Any spectator who attempts to enter the frozen zone between the barriers or who attempts to go on to the parade route must be immediately arrested for trespass,” the memo said.
“There will be no warnings and officers should not wait for the Legal Bureau personnel to arrive.”
However, it adds, “The extent a spectator is conveying a message that is offensive. to participants in the parade or to other spectators, this is protected speech and MAY NOT be the basis for enforcement.”
The parade is a traditional annual celebration of the Jewish state.
This year, the march comes in a climate of heavy tension in the Big Apple, where antisemitic attacks and anti-Israel protests have been rampant since the Oct. 7 sneak attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.
The deadly assault promoted an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has left thousands of Palestinians dead and even more homeless and starving, according to the UN — prompting the protests.
The protests have taken root in college campuses across the US, including anti-Israeli encampments Ivy League schools like Columbia University and other schools in the five boroughs.
Taking no chances, the NYPD has briefed the rank-and-file on security measures.
Metal detectors will screen people attending the parade, with backpacks, umbrellas, lawn folding chairs, blankets, coolers and drones all banned from the route, the internal memo said.
The department is also banning banners or large flags, but with a caveat.
“With respect to banner or large flag, the only question is whether it will obstruct the view of others,” the memo cautioned. “The message of the banner or the meaning of the flag is irrelevant.”
Palestinian flags have been a common sight at anti-Israeli protests and encampments, while the Hamas terror flag has been spotted at several of the demonstrations.
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