On Monday night, an anti-Israel crowd clashed with counter-protesters near a synagogue in Brooklyn, just days after similar protests took place in Manhattan.
At least three individuals were arrested when agitators gathered close to Young Israel Senior Services in Midwood, where an event promoting Israeli and West Bank real estate was occurring.
The protesters shouted slogans like “Palestine is ours alone,” with some carrying large banners that accused Israel of killing children.
A video captured a moment when a masked individual violently grabbed a girl’s hair, nearly causing her to fall into a parked car.
Not long after, another man confronted a group of young men who were waving Palestinian flags, shouting provocations.
Amid the chaos, at least two teenage pro-Israel demonstrators were taken into custody. Supporters followed the NYPD, demanding their release.
The protests echoed another tumultuous event at Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue earlier this month on May 5.
Both demonstrations were organized by Pal Awda New York/New Jersey, a group known for its messages like “No settlers on stolen land” and “Stop the sale of stolen Palestinian land.”
In a response to New York State Senator Sam Sutton’s comments, the group asserted that these protests were a reaction to events at locations involved in what they termed the illegal sale of Palestinian land.
This organization had previously orchestrated a rally at Park East Synagogue, where around 200 protesters interrupted an event held by Nefesh Benefesh, a Zionist organization supportive of Jewish immigration to Israel.
Following the protests, City Council President Julie Menin suggested introducing a “buffer zone” law. This would involve the NYPD creating temporary fencing around synagogues and places of worship during protests to protect attendees.
According to this proposed law, the NYPD is to devise a plan addressing the risks of disturbances and ensuring the safety of worshipers during potential protests, including assessing the need for a security perimeter.
Though this law was passed on April 25, a representative of Menin stated that as of Monday, the NYPD had not submitted a plan.
