Last night, a group of approximately 200 anti-Zionist protesters, primarily organized by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation-Awda (PAL-Awda) NY/NJ chapter and including members of the ultra-Orthodox anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta, demonstrated outside the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills synagogue in Queens, New York City.
The protest targeted an event inside the synagogue hosted by Mortgage Israel and Tivuch Shelly, which promoted real estate opportunities in Israel, including in West Bank settlements like Ma'ale Adumim—areas the protesters labeled as "stolen Palestinian land" and accused of facilitating "ethnic cleansing" and "settler recruitment."
Protesters, many wearing keffiyehs and holding Palestinian flags, were confined to a designated area behind NYPD barricades about half a block from the synagogue entrance to prevent disruptions.
Chants included "Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here," "Zionism will fall," "Death to the IDF," "Intifada people's war," "Shut the f**k up Zionists, Israel does not exist," and "Settlers go back home."
Signs at the event condemned "Zionist land theft" and called for "decolonization."
This was the second such action that week by the group, following a similar protest the previous day against a Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah (immigration to Israel) fair in Manhattan.
The local Jewish community, which includes a large Orthodox population in Kew Gardens Hills, expressed significant alarm in advance. The synagogue canceled its evening services, and nearby schools like Yeshiva Central Queens implemented early dismissals for safety.
Community leaders, including the Queens Jewish Alliance, advised against counter-protests to avoid escalation, suggesting alternatives like supporting Israeli businesses.
NYPD maintained a heavy presence, ensuring no breaches or physical incidents occurred, though the area was described as "completely upended."
U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) posted the referenced statement on X in response, sharing a video clip of the protest and condemning the chants as overt support for Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
