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Protests Against Israeli Official Heat Up Outside Synagogue in Brooklyn

The New York Times's profile
The New York Times
6h ago

The NYPD is investigating allegations of assault by pro-Israel counterprotesters against two women during a pro-Palestinian protest in Brooklyn, prompted by a visit from far-right Israeli official Itamar Ben-Gvir. The incident took place outside the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, where heated clashes occurred between demonstrators from both sides. Videos show a crowd chanting aggressive slogans and one woman being followed and harassed, with an object thrown at her head. Another woman was separated from her group and injured, leading to the arrest of six individuals, one of whom was charged with assault. The protests highlighted tensions in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, with lawmakers like Representative Jerrold Nadler emphasizing the importance of opposing the extremist rhetoric represented by Ben-Gvir, despite limited direct impact on his actions.

Protests Against Israeli Official Heat Up Outside Synagogue in Brooklyn

Protests erupted outside the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn due to the planned appearance of Itamar Ben-Gvir, an Israeli security minister known for his far-right views. This location is a significant religious site for the Hasidic community, and the visit led to clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and pro-Israel counterprotesters.

Amidst the protests, a 29-year-old woman was surrounded by a group of predominantly Jewish men, who chanted 'death to Arabs' and hurled racial and sexist insults. The crowd's aggression escalated to physical harassment, with one individual throwing a construction cone at the woman's head before she was escorted to safety by a police officer.

Another woman was separated from her fellow pro-Palestinian demonstrators and suffered injuries, leading to Mayor Eric Adams urging both victims to come forward to assist in the police investigation. Six individuals were detained during the protests, with one facing charges including assault, though the affiliations of those involved remained unclear.

Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the United States, his first since rejoining Israel's government, has been marked by controversy due to his extremist political stance. His history includes being barred from the Israeli military and keeping a portrait of a perpetrator of a mass shooting in his home, drawing criticism from various groups.

The protests have prompted political responses, including from Representative Jerrold Nadler, who announced plans to introduce legislation imposing sanctions on violent Israeli settlers. Nadler and other Jewish leaders have voiced opposition to Ben-Gvir's rhetoric, emphasizing a commitment to a peaceful and democratic Israel.

In addition to the Brooklyn events, Ben-Gvir's appearances in other locations, such as New Haven, Connecticut, were also met with significant protests, underscoring the widespread disapproval of his views. These events have sparked further debate on the intersection of religious, political, and community tensions in the United States.

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