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The Finger

“The Finger” is one of the most significant tools wielded by politicians. Whether on the campaign trail or in courtrooms, the act of finger-pointing serves as a potent symbol of disapproval and accusation. This simple gesture transcends words, embodying a physical manifestation of blame and critique directed towards an opponent.

In the context of a political campaign, finger-pointing is often employed during debates, speeches, and public appearances. It’s a way for politicians to highlight the perceived flaws or failures of their rivals, drawing a clear line between their stance and that of their opponents. This gesture can galvanize supporters, reinforce the politician’s message, and sway undecided voters by emphasizing the opposition’s shortcomings.

Finger-pointing is not just limited to campaigns; it extends into legal battles and courtroom dramas. When politicians find themselves embroiled in legal disputes, the act of pointing a finger can serve to publicly assign blame and suggest guilt. It’s a tactic used to shift focus and responsibility, often to deflect from one’s own issues or misdeeds.

Culturally, finger-pointing is seen as inherently accusatory. The person who points the finger positions themselves as morally superior, casting judgment upon the one they accuse. This dynamic establishes a power imbalance: the pointer is above the person being pointed at, creating a sense of authority and dominance. This gesture, therefore, not only conveys disapproval but also asserts the accuser’s perceived moral high ground.

In summary, “The Finger” is a powerful tool in the arsenal of politicians. It’s a gesture laden with meaning, serving as a non-verbal form of criticism and accusation. Whether in campaigns or courtrooms, finger-pointing is a strategic act that plays a crucial role in the theater of politics, shaping public perception and influencing the narrative.

Jewish Elders Call to Schumer

On April 6th at noon, a group gathered at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn to protest the killing of children in Gaza. They joined the Jewish Elders & Friends for Ceasefire, a part of Jewish Voice for Peace. The focus was on urging Senator Schumer to cease arming genocide with the tagline “We demand action, not empty words.” The route went through the farmer’s market to highlight the famine’s impact on Palestinian children. Plans to march to Senator Schumer’s home were thwarted by police barricades and the Strategic Response Group of the NYPD. Protesters carried signs and effigies representing the 14,000 children killed in Gaza bombings. After placing the effigies on the ground, the protest concluded with the reading of a fraction of children’s names and ages, followed by prayer.

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Holi at Bhakti Center

Last night at The Bhakti Center in the Lower East Side we enjoyed a beautiful event that combined Holi, The Festival of Colors with The Festival of Flowers. 600lbs of flower petals were showered over the deities and later over everyone in attendance. It became a lively celebration with music, dancing and hundreds of pounds of petals flying in the air. The event was organized by the center and put together with the help of volunteers.

Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, but it’s also observed in many other parts of the world. Also known as the “Festival of Colors” or the “Festival of Love,” Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. People gather to celebrate by smearing colored powders and water on each other, dancing to music, enjoying festive foods, and exchanging warm wishes. It’s a time for forgiveness, renewal of friendships, and spreading joy and happiness throughout communities. Holi is a beautiful cultural celebration that brings people together regardless of age, gender, or social status.

Let the colors of Holi paint your life with joy, love, and togetherness! Wishing everyone a colorful and spirited Holi filled with laughter and fun. Happy Holi! 🎨🎉

For more photos of the event please follow this link.

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Woman’s Day Global Strike for Gaza

Union Square, New York City
March 3rd, 2024
Yesterday on International Women’s Day, hundreds of Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Union Square for what they called “International Women’s Day Global Strike For Gaza”.  Led by Nerdeen Kiswani leader of Within Our Lifetime, the rally chanted and spoke blame against the lack of response from federal and local authorities to stop the war in Gaza. The protest then took to the streets heading south on Broadway where several arrests occurred before arriving to Zuccotti Park and the Oculus.

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Puttin is a Killer

Sample edited footage. Available in 4K HLG. Full version: 20 minutes (approx)

Yesterday Alexei Navalny a prominent Russian opposition leader was found dead at the “Polar Wolf” Arctic penal colony, Russian authorities say that this happened after he took a walk and lost consciousness.

In New York, as in many other cities around the world, Russians came out to protest his death calling Putin a murderer.

Alexei Navalny was also an anti-corruption activist, and political dissident. He was born on June 4, 1976, in Butyn, Russia. Navalny rose to prominence through his political blog and social media activism, where he exposed corruption within the Russian government and criticized the ruling United Russia party.

Navalny’s activism and outspoken criticism of President Vladimir Putin and his government made him a thorn in the side of the Russian authorities.

In August 2020, Navalny fell critically ill after being poisoned with a nerve agent while traveling in Siberia. He was later transferred to Germany for medical treatment and made a remarkable recovery. Navalny and many Western governments accused the Russian government of orchestrating the poisoning, an allegation that Russian authorities deny.

Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021, where he was immediately arrested at the airport. His arrest sparked widespread protests across Russia, leading to thousands of arrests. Despite ongoing repression, Navalny and his supporters continued to challenge the Kremlin’s authority and advocate for political change in Russia.

Click here to follow Carlos Chiossone on Instagram. 

100 Days of Captivity Rally

 Today at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, across from the United Nations Headquarters, an emotional rally took place to raise awareness that almost 100 days have passed since Hamas took, over 100 hostages from Israel.

Among the attendees was Hila Shoshani, a 13-year-old hostage recently released after being kidnapped from her Kibbutz. Families of hostages, including Gili Roman, brother of released hostage Yarden Roman-Gat and a relative of Carmel Gat, who is still held hostage, were also present. Yair Moses, son of Gadi Moses also being held by Hamas, addressed the gathering. The event featured remarks from Governor Hochul and House Majority Leader Charles Schumer.

Voice-over: ElevenLabs

Cold and Wet Migrant Families Arrive for Processing

Cold and wet, some shivering, others wrapping themselves in white blankets to stay warm. Parents and kids pushing their positions in suitcases and strollers, that is what I witnessed at the migrants’ family processing center in The Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan. This is an assignment that hits home. While I have been in New York for 35 years, I was born in Venezuela, these are people from my country whom I see suffering struggling to manage the situation. While at this moment I place blame on the city, the issue extends beyond its borders.

It pains me to contemplate closing the border to stem this crisis, but it hurts even more when I consider the hardships these individuals faced in Venezuela, enduring a journey that remains unfinished even in the heart of New York.

A woman emerged from the hotel, and I assumed she had just completed processing. However, she had been living at The Roosevelt for a month, and it was her first time stepping outside. Fear of the unknown was evident in her eyes as I spoke to her. Another person had been there for two weeks, now en route to Chicago to reunite with her uncle. Both considered themselves fortunate, having avoided relocation or reprocessing after the 60-day limit.

Later that night, I went to Times Square to photograph people hit by the heavy rain and wind. I overheard a group speaking Spanish, recognizing the Venezuelan accent I approaching them. They shared with me their arrival the day before, expressing gratitude despite the prolonged processing time. The resilience of those arriving is commendable, something my privilege life may never fully understand. As they stared at the beauty of the city, Times Square, which they had probably seen in movies and only dreamt about of seeing in person, I couldn’t help but smile, at that moment I felt that their hearts were full of hope.

Regrettably, I’m not in a position to offer much assistance, but in front of the hotel, I had to set my cameras down to help translate directions for them—information that had been poorly communicated by staff with limited Spanish. It became clear that this responsibility is falling on individual states when a more effective, federal-level response is needed. As a country, we must find a better way to help these individuals in their time of need.

Protest Causes Disruption at Holland Tunnel

New York, 01/08/2023 – In an early morning demonstration that escalated tensions in the city, pro-Palestine protesters blocked the outbound lanes of the Holland Tunnel for over an hour, causing significant delays and frustration among drivers heading to New Jersey. The NYPD, in coordination with the Port Authority Police, responded to the scene, resulting in the arrest of 130 individuals.

The protesters, demanding a cease-fire from Israel, were willing to face arrest to highlight their cause. They chanted slogans and held banners with messages such as “Lift the siege on Gaza and cease fire now,” expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and urging an end to the conflict.

These demonstrations are part of a series of increasingly frequent protests in the city. Organizers and participants are seeking new ways to amplify their message and draw attention to the plight of Palestinians. The strategic choice of a major transit hub like the Holland Tunnel, a critical artery for commuters and commercial traffic, signifies a shift in tactics to escalate the impact of their advocacy.

While the protests have garnered support from various groups, they have also sparked debate about the effectiveness and consequences of such disruptive methods. The significant inconvenience caused to thousands of commuters has raised questions about the balance between the right to peaceful protest and public order.

Officials from the NYPD and Port Authority Police have not yet released a formal statement regarding the incident or the future handling of similar protests. However, with tensions running high and no immediate resolution in sight, the city braces for more such disruptions.

As the situation evolves, the central questions remain: How will city authorities balance the right to protest with maintaining public order, and what impact will these demonstrations have on the broader discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Voice-over: ElevenLabs

Me Too – Unless You Are a Jew

On November 27th, 2023, a passionate group of Pro-Israel demonstrators assembled outside the UN WOMEN headquarters in New York City. Their protest aimed at highlighting the perceived lack of action from the organization in addressing the issues of women who had been victims of rape and hostage-taking by Hamas on October 7th. The demonstrators, comprising women of all ages, made a powerful statement by wearing white or skin-toned leggings and tops with fake blood stains on their groin and other areas of their bodies. Despite the pleas, the UN WOMEN organization remained silent, underscoring the challenges and frustrations faced by those seeking accountability and support in the aftermath of such traumatic events. The voices of these demonstrators, however, echoed in their quest for justice and awareness.

Veteran’s Day Parade

On November 11th, the vibrant spirit of patriotism echoed through the streets of New York City as the iconic Veteran’s Day Parade took center stage on 5th Avenue. Marking a day of remembrance and gratitude, the parade featured various veteran groups, the military, military schools, and other organizations. Watchers and parade members enjoyed the colors of American flags, resonating with the marching bands and the display of vintage and current military vehicles. Sidewalks with onlookers, their faces reflecting appreciation and respect for those who have served their country. Against the backdrop of iconic landmarks, the parade not only showcased the strength of the nation but also provided a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform.

A Silent Walk to Bring the Hostages Home

On November 11th, a silent walk echoed through the lower east side of New York City as several Jewish temples organized a rally in solidarity with the families of Hamas hostages. Commencing in Washington Square Park and concluding in Union Square, the event aimed to draw attention to the human side of conflicts and to bring those kidnapped home.

Notably, among the participants were several family members directly affected by the Hamas hostage situation. Their presence lent a deeply personal touch to the event, offering a glimpse into the human toll of geopolitical conflicts.

In a world often marked by discord, the silent walk in New York City on November 11th stood as a testament to the power of collective empathy and the potential for communities to come together in support of those affected by conflict.

A Portrait: Students Rally for Palestine

On November 9th, in a remarkable display of solidarity, thousands of students, teachers, and activists gathered this afternoon in Bryant Park, NYC, responding to the call of “Shut It Down For Palestine.” The movement urged schools to dismiss classes early, prompting a sea of individuals to gather in front of The New York Public Library on 5th Avenue and 42nd Street.

The atmosphere was charged with passion as several speakers took the stage, the diverse crowd fueled by a shared commitment to the cause listened intently as the speakers addressed the ongoing issues in Palestine.

The demonstrators later embarked on a powerful march down 5th Avenue, turning onto 34th Street, then turned north on 8th Avenue later reaching the headquarters of The New York Times. 

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