A recent real estate event in South Hackensack sparked protests. In fact, over 50 people gathered to oppose the selling of properties in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Many believe these land deals are illegal and unfair to Palestinians, leading to rising tensions in the area.
Here’s everything you need to know about what happened and why both sides feel so strongly.
- Over 50 protesters gathered to oppose the selling of properties in Israel and the occupied West Bank, which are seen as illegal under international law.
- The real estate event, hosted by “My Home in Israel,” caused controversy with claims it was promoting stolen Palestinian land.
- Tensions rose with counterprotesters, reflecting the wider conflict tied to the Israel-Hamas war and growing settlement activity.
Protests Over Real Estate Event in South Hackensack
A real estate event in South Hackensack, New Jersey, promoting properties in Israel and the occupied West Bank, led to protests on Monday, September 16, 2024.
More than 50 protesters gathered to express their anger about the event, which they believed promoted the sale of property in areas considered illegal by international standards.
Organized by the New Jersey chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, the protest was aimed at an event hosted by “My Home in Israel,” a company selling real estate in both Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank have been a controversial issue for a long time now. And importantly, international laws and U.S. policy both consider them illegal.
Earlier this year, Israel announced plans to build more than 3,300 homes in these disputed areas, which only added to the tension.
Rabbi Dovid Feldman, a member of Jews United Against Zionism, expressed his concerns, saying, “We are very upset when we see these events selling stolen property, which is unjust… The Jewish religion is being misused to justify these crimes.”
Tensions Rise Between Protesters and Counterprotesters
While most of the protest was peaceful, two counterprotesters did arrive to challenge the demonstrators.
One of them, Mark Greiz from Queens, wore an Israeli flag on his back and confronted the Palestinian supporters.
However, police quickly stepped in to stop things from getting worse. Greiz explained, “They are preaching hatred towards Jewish people. We are here to show support to the Jewish people and to the people inside.”
Greiz and others who supported the event believe that Jewish people have a historical right to the land in Israel and the West Bank.
He further explained that his involvement in these pro-Israel events is driven by a desire for peace, as well as a desire to acknowledge the Jewish people’s ancestral connection to the land.
Even with over 25 police officers present, the atmosphere remained tense, which showed the deep divisions between the two sides.
Conflict Linked to Israel-Hamas War and West Bank Settlements
This protest comes at a time of heightened tensions due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Israel responded with military force, which has led to more than 40,000 Palestinian deaths, with many still missing or trapped under rubble.
Reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry state that around 70% of the victims are women and children, as mentioned by Reuters.
Besides the war in Gaza, violence has also increased in the West Bank.
Since the war started, Israeli forces have killed 634 Palestinians in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have killed 11 more.
At the same time, Palestinians have killed 18 Israelis, including soldiers and settlers.
Unfortunately, the rising violence has made it harder to find common ground, and settlement growth is a major issue in the West Bank.
Historical Ties and Calls for Justice
The timing of the protest also coincided with the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila Massacre, where over 3,000 Palestinian refugees were killed in Lebanon in 1982.
In light of this, protesters used this memory to remind others of the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.
One resident, Torin Halvorsen, who lives near the protest site, expressed his concern about the violence, particularly in Gaza.
He said, “People are being desensitized to the killing of Palestinians, similar to how people are desensitized to school shootings.”
Activists, like Bill Kulesa from the Party for Socialism and Liberation, argued that the real estate event continued the pattern of land theft and colonialism against the Palestinian people.
“This is illegal,” Kulesa said. “It should not be permitted.”
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Protests
This protest was just one of many that have occurred across New Jersey and other states over the sale of properties in the West Bank.
Similar demonstrations occurred earlier this year in Teaneck, where protesters gathered outside other real estate fairs promoting West Bank property sales.
In many cases, these protests argue that such events break international law by selling land still under dispute.
Civil rights groups have filed several legal complaints, calling on state and federal authorities to investigate the legality of these real estate events.
And they claim that the events discriminate against non-Jews by marketing Jewish-only properties.
In response, “My Home in Israel” has maintained that the fairs are for educational purposes only, and no sales are conducted at the events.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues and settlement activities in the West Bank increase, these protests are likely to become more frequent.
Both sides are deeply divided, with supporters of Israel arguing for historical and religious rights to the land. Meanwhile, Palestinian advocates demand justice and an end to what they view as illegal occupation and land grabbing.
At this point, the conflict shows no sign of ending soon, leaving many questions about the future and peace unanswered.
