A recent real estate event in South Hackensack sparê©Čked protests. In fađŹct, over 50 people gathered to oppose the selling of properties in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Many believe these lanđd deals are illegal and unfair to Palestinians, leading to rising tensions in thâe 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 protđests on Monday, September 16, 2024.
More than 50 protesters gathered to express their anger about the event, which đ§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 UêŠ.S. policy both consider them illegal.
Earlier this year, Israel announced plans tđo build more than 3,300 homes in these disputed areas, which only added to the tension.
Tensions Rise Between Protesters and Counterprotesters
While most of the proteđŽst was peaceful, two counterprotesters did arrive to challenge the demonstrators.
One of themđ», Mark Greiz from Queens, wore an Israeli flag on his back and confronted the Palestinian supporters.
However, police quickly stepped in âto stop things from getting worse.
Greiz and others who supported the event believe that Jewish people have a historical right to the land inđ Isâ€rael 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 ođčfficers present, the atmosphere remained tense, which showed the deep divisions between the tđŠwo 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 beganà± on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern IsraêŠel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Israel responded with military force, which has led tođ 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 victimáŠs are women and children, as mentioned by Reuters.
Besides the war in Gaza, violêŠĄence has also increased in the West Bank.
đ·Since the war startđ„ed, Israeli forces have killed 634 Palestinians in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have killed 11 more.
At the same time, Palestinianâs have killed 18 Israelis, including đsoldiers and settlers.
Unfortunately, the rising violence has made it harder to find common ground, and settlement growth is a major issue in the Weđ§st Bank.
Historical Ties and Calls for Justice
The timing of the protest also coincided with the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila Massacrâe, where over 3,000 Palestinian refugees were killed in Lebanon in 1982.
In light of this,àč protesters used this mđemory to remind others of the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.
One resident, Torin Halvorsen, who lives near the protest site, expressđłed his đ ·concern about the violence, particularly in Gaza.
Activists, like Bill Kulesa from the Party for SđŻocialism and Liberation, argued that the real estate event continued the pattern of land theft and colonialism against the Palestinian people.
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Protests
This protest was jusđ„t one of many that have occurred acrâoss 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 propertây sales.
In many cases, these protests argue that such events break international law by selling land still àŒunder dispute.
Civil rights groups have filed several legal complaintâs, calling on state and federal authorities to investigate theđ legality of these real estate events.
And they clađ im that the events discriminate against non-Jews by marketing Jewish-only properties.
đčIn response, âMy Home in Israelâ 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 Wâest Bank increase, these protests are likely to become more frequent.
Both sides are deeply dà¶Łivided, with supporters of Israel arguing for histoârical 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 đand peace unanswered.
