102-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Joins “No Kings” Rally in White Plains

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A powerful voice echoed through the streets of Westchester County on June 14, 2025, as 102-year-old Holocaust survivor Kurt Goldschmidt joined thousands in the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement. Goldschmidt, who endured the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, stood with others in defiance of what many see as a growing wave of authoritarianism in modern-day America.

“I’m here today because this is something I can do against Trump. I lived during the Nazi time in Germany and they put me in a concentration camp,” said Goldschmidt. “I know what this looks like.”

Thousands Rally Across Westchester and Beyond

“No Kings” rallies took place in towns and cities throughout Westchester County, including White Plains, Mt. Kisco, Larchmont, Yonkers, Croton, and Mamaroneck. Participants flooded parks, downtowns, and community spaces to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies during his second term and to express their commitment to defending democratic values.

According to USA Today estimates, over 1,000 people joined the protest in Mt. Kisco alone. Attendees carried signs, waved American flags, and marched peacefully. In a county known to have a strong MAGA presence, many expressed relief and pride at the large turnout.

Peaceful but Passionate: Voices from the Ground

The rallies were largely peaceful, with only one incident of disruption in Yonkers where a Trump supporter shouted at protesters in what was described as an “unhinged” outburst. Law enforcement present at the scene quickly de-escalated the situation, ensuring the protest continued safely and without interruption.

“Protest is a vital expression of boundary — don’t stop. Don’t forget,” said one participant on social media.

From downtown Mt. Kisco, one attendee added:

“This is our opportunity to stand up for democracy – for the rule of law, and to say loudly no kings with our signs. It was an incredible day. The streets were filled with people and business was booming.”

Economic and Community Impact

While the rally drew praise for its energy and peaceful execution, it also raised questions about municipal resources. One Mt. Kisco resident noted that while the event added vibrancy to the downtown area, it also came at a cost — particularly in terms of police overtime and public safety budgeting.

“The Village has budgetary challenges,” the resident noted. “We didn’t sign up to be a protest venue every weekend, but this one was well-managed and completely non-violent.”

One of the Largest Mass Protests in U.S. History?

By some estimates, the No Kings rallies nationwide drew between 4 and 6 million people, potentially making it one of the largest mass protests in American history. Data analyst G. Elliott Morris suggested this turnout represents 1–2% of the U.S. population — a staggering show of democratic participation.

What Was “No Kings” Day All About?

The No Kings protests, held on June 14, 2025, coincided with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump, who hosted a controversial military-style parade in Washington, D.C.

Protesters chose this date to symbolically reject authoritarianism, denounce Trump’s leadership style, and raise awareness on several key issues, including:

Medicaid cuts
Abortion rights
Immigration justice
The Gaza conflict

A central theme was the reclamation of the American flag — a declaration that national identity and patriotism belong to the people, not to one leader.

“We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it,” read one widely shared slogan.

“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us.”

A Survivor’s Warning

Kurt Goldschmidt’s presence served as a poignant reminder of how fragile democracy can be. His life, shaped by the rise of fascism in Nazi Germany, lent urgency and gravitas to the protest.

“If 102-year-old Kurt Goldschmidt, a survivor of the Holocaust, says ‘no kings,’ you’d best get up and stand up for your rights before it’s too late,” tweeted political commentator Tom Watson.

Moving Forward

As the sun set on a day of defiance, many protesters emphasized that this was only the beginning of a broader movement. With more events likely in the coming months, organizers hope to sustain momentum and amplify public engagement ahead of the next election cycle.