NYPD clashes with anti-Israel protesters in Manhattan during march at Park East Synagogue; video surface
Clashes broke out between anti-Israel protesters on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and the New York Police Department during an event at the Park East Synagogue. The New York Police Department (NYPD) deployed heavily to separate the groups, but the confrontation escalated into a melee along the barricades.
The demonstration was the second such protest at the synagogue in six months. Video shared online showed protesters clashing with police barricades and marching through parts of the Upper East Side.
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Clashes, chants and heavy police presence
According to the New York Times, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the synagogue, which was hosting the so-called “Israeli Real Estate Event.” The event promotes property purchases in Israel and in Israeli settlements in the disputed occupied West Bank.
Dozens of pro-Israel counter-protesters also gathered at the scene. Both sides exchanged chants and slogans, some of which sparked widespread debate and criticism. Police erected barriers to separate the groups, but intermittent clashes were mainly between protesters and police.
No one was arrested during the protest, but tensions remained high throughout the evening, The New York Times reported.
Pro-Palestinian protesters chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “Long live the intifada,” which many pro-Israel groups interpreted as calls for violence. Some counter-protesters chanted “Palestine does not exist.” According to Mario Nofal, one counter-protester yelled at the pro-Palestinian protesters: “Hitler will put you in the oven.”
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Background: The “Land Sale” Controversy
The protest reportedly targeted an event at Park East Synagogue related to the marketing or promotion of real estate related to Israel. This has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian activists who believe they are part of settlement activity in the disputed territory.
Similar incidents have previously sparked protests in New York and other cities, according to the New York Times
Zohran Mamdani expressed opposition to the event itself, citing concerns about land marketing in West Bank settlements, which many international agencies consider illegal. At the same time, he stressed the importance of ensuring safe access to places of worship and protecting the right to protest.
At least two more rallies have taken place outside New York synagogues in recent months, prompting the City Council to pass two measures aimed at addressing protests outside places of worship and educational institutions.
At least two more rallies have taken place outside New York synagogues in recent months, prompting the City Council to pass two measures aimed at addressing protests outside places of worship and educational institutions.
According to the New York Times, under the “buffer zone” bill, police departments must develop a plan to establish a safe perimeter during public protests. Both laws have been criticized over concerns about free speech.
Last month, Mamdani vetoed a bill on educational institutions. A second law covering religious sites was approved by a majority vote of the council. The bill won’t take effect until June, according to a spokesman for the mayor’s office.
