Although #Occupy Wall Street has been gathering momentum since it began nearly three months ago, the recent snowstorm and the ill-timed confiscation of generators and gasoline raises the question of how determined the demonstrators are to continue the occupation.
I went to Zuccotti on Nov. 5 around 7 p.m., to find out how the demonstrators are keeping their spirits and temperatures high.
There was a religious service of sorts going on when I arrived, with demonstrators singing in unison.
The man leading the service described himself as a yogi, and encouraged those gathered around the Zuccotti sacred space to engage in service and participate in the General Assembly in which demonstrators discuss the future of the movement.
Next I spoke with Josh Ehrenberg, 20, who described himself as a “full-time occupier.” He describes the situation during and after the storm, and expresses his disappointment with the “comfort station”, where occupiers go for clothes, blankets, and other increasingly necessary comforts.
Josh Ehrenberg interview by Ajai Raj
Ehrenberg was one of a few people taking turns on one of two bike-powered generators on the east side of the park. Here we have some audio of a woman peddling one of the bikes while some repair work is done on the other. A child wanted in on the action, but isn’t quite old enough yet.
Recai Iskender, a former diplomat, described his experience during the storm, as well as his determination to stick it out at Zuccotti no matter how bad the weather gets.
Recai Iskender interview by Ajai Raj
If this is any indication, it seems the occupation will continue.