A rabbi from Beverly Hills is raising alarms over a $400 million mansion sale in Los Angeles, suggesting that the proceeds could be used to fund terrorism.
Rabbi Pini Danner is set to protest on Thursday outside the West Hollywood office of Beverly Hills Estates, a luxury real estate firm tied to the family of former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, often referred to as HBJ.
Danner expressed strong concerns, stating that the sale of this Bel Air mansion “will enrich one of the most powerful members of the Qatari royal family,” who is infamous for supporting groups like Hamas and maintaining connections with the Iranian regime.
“This is not just a glamorous real estate transaction. It’s a deal that funnels blood money to one of the most dangerous individuals in the Middle East, known for aiding America’s adversaries,” he claimed.
The mansion was bought not long ago, in 2010, for $35 million, linked to the al-Thani family, and took a decade to complete.
Danner, who serves at the Beverly Hills Synagogue, told a local publication that the finances from the sale “will support enemies of the U.S.” He referred to HBJ as not merely a shady figure, but as a “war criminal” and an ally to Hamas.
He added that the mansion’s sale is occurring at a time when the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created significant financial pressures, necessitating the repatriation of funds.
“He is taking advantage of America’s dire situation and laughing all the way to the bank,” Danner remarked, emphasizing that such actions aren’t acceptable.
He indicated that his previous protests had resulted in brokers withdrawing from potential sales, expressing hope for a repeat outcome this time.
Notably, Danner pointed out the timing of the sale, which coincides with reports of Qatar positioning itself strategically in relation to Iran.
He characterized HBJ as an “evil Hamas supporter” who has never condemned past violence, insisting that there’s a direct financial connection between him and the victims of a recent attack.
If sold at a near asking price, this property would be the first residential estate in U.S. history to surpass the $400 million benchmark, a significant feat.
Danner acknowledged that while he can’t stop the sale, he hopes that generating public awareness might lead to the funds being frozen.
He mentioned alerting Beverly Hills Estates about the planned protest but noted he did not receive a response.
The brokerage has yet to comment on these allegations or the protest. Previously, Danner has protested against another property co-owned by HBJ, which demonstrates his ongoing concern regarding these dealings.
In a recent editorial, he pointed out that since a specific date, Qatar has been actively supporting Hamas, despite claiming to act as a mediator.
Danner concluded that the glorification of supposed hostage negotiations should be scrutinized, insisting that no one should commend a government for actions stemming from kidnapping.
Should the mansion sell for close to its asking price, it would break historical records for residential properties in the country.
