Where Palestinians Gather in the U.S. on Nakba Day: Cities, Events & Significance

Each year on May 15, Palestinians in the United States join millions worldwide in marking Nakba Day—the Day of Catastrophe—commemorating the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948. Across dozens of American cities, from New York to Los Angeles, these gatherings are more than memorials; they are living acts of cultural preservation, political solidarity, and intergenerational storytelling. Whether in the streets, at cultural centers, or on university campuses, Palestinian Americans and their allies use this day to connect past struggles with present calls for justice.

1. Overview of Nakba Day Commemorations in the U.S.

Palestinian communities across the United States mark Nakba Day, which falls on May 15, with rallies, marches, vigils, teach-ins, and cultural events. These observances serve as acts of remembrance for the 1948 Palestinian exodus and expressions of solidarity amid contemporary political contexts.

2. Major U.S. Cities and Events

According to documentation from 2025 events, here’s where significant gatherings took place:

• New York (Brooklyn / Bay Ridge)
  A large march was organized by the NY 4 Palestine Coalition, drawing as many as 50,000 participants who marched through Brooklyn. Other actions included a march starting at Cadman Plaza, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, and traveling through Union Square and Madison Square Park.

• Los Angeles
  About 20,000 people participated in a Nakba Day march, co-organized by groups including American Muslims for Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Al-Awda, and Jewish Voice for Peace.

• Chicago
  Two major events were noted: a march with over 25,000 attendees, and another—held on May 12—with nearly 4,000 participants marching to the Israeli consulate.

• San Francisco
  Organized by the Palestine Action Network, a rally and mural-painting drew nearly 10,000 people.

• Seattle
  The Falastiniyat group coordinated a rally and march for around 5,000 participants.

• Atlanta
  Some 3,000 marchers joined a Nakba Day demonstration led by the Palestinian Youth Movement, which intersected with a rally for Justice for Jabril Robinson.

• Boston
  Approximately 3,000 people rallied from Copley Square to the Israeli consulate, with support from student and community Palestinian organizations.

• Raleigh (NC)
  Around 3,000 participants marched in the Triangle area, with organizing help from ANSWER Coalition and Muslims for Social Justice.

• Cleveland
  A gathering of roughly 2,000 people was organized by groups including Al-Awda and Cleveland Peace Action.

• Dearborn (MI)
  About 1,000 participants marched in a community event organized by Palestinian Youth Movement Detroit and endorsed by PSL Detroit.

• Denver, St. Louis, San Diego, New Orleans, Providence, Hartford, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Memphis, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh also held significant rallies ranging from 400 to 1,000+ participants each.

3. National Coordination & Additional Vigils

The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) provided a robust list of coordinated protests and vigils across the U.S.:

• Washington, D.C.: Rally at the Lincoln Memorial.

• Chicago, IL: Ida B. Wells & Michigan Ave.

• San Diego, CA: Rally and cultural event near 6th & Quince St.

• Los Angeles, CA: Federal Building on Wilshire Blvd.

• Dearborn, MI: Events in Hemlock Park and Ford Performing Arts Center.

• Brooklyn, NY: Bay Ridge rally at 72nd & 5th.

• Events were also held in Phoenix, San Francisco, New Haven, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Minneapolis, Omaha, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Austin, Dallas, Seattle, and Madison (WI).

4. Student Mobilization & Campus Demonstrations

Students at institutions like Florida International University (FIU) created a “liberated zone” on campus to coincide with Nakba commemorations, highlighting solidarity and educational initiatives.

5. Historical and Institutional Roots

The Palestinian American Congress (PAC), headquartered in Chicago, has maintained a history of Nakba-themed commemorations, including panel discussions and exhibitions—for instance, a 2003 Nakba-scale event at Rutgers University featuring art and discussion.

Summary Table

Nakba Day in the United States is marked by widespread, highly organized gatherings across most major metropolitan areas. These events—ranging from city-wide marches and symbolic rallies to campus activism—demonstrate the Palestinian American community’s commitment to remembrance, cultural expression, and political solidarity.