Anti-Israel protesters target Jewish community in Borough Park

A heated demonstration erupted in Brooklyn’s Borough Park on Tuesday night as anti-Israel protesters targeted the neighborhood’s Orthodox Jewish residents, chanting inflammatory slogans and clashing with pro-Israel counterprotesters.

The protest, organized by the Pal-Awda activist group, was held in opposition to a local event promoting real estate in Israel. The demonstration quickly escalated, with protesters shouting, “Settlers, settlers, go back home, Palestine is ours alone,” and “Zionists go to hell.” Some demonstrators even directed accusations at Jewish pedestrians, chanting, “How many kids did you kill today?” to the beat of a snare drum.

The scene was hate-filled as police barricades separated three distinct groups: anti-Israel protesters, pro-Israel counterprotesters, and a large crowd of Orthodox Jewish residents watching from across the street.

Children returning home from local yeshivas observed the demonstration from school bus windows, witnessing the hostile exchanges. One of the protest leaders, speaking through a megaphone, called for “one solution—intifada revolution,” a reference to terror attacks against Israel.

Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, New York has seen hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrations. However, direct protests within Jewish neighborhoods remain relatively rare.

The rally was met with swift condemnation from New York political leaders, who decried the targeting of a religious community and the escalation of hostile rhetoric.

Authorities have yet to announce any arrests or further actions, but community leaders have voiced concerns over rising antisemitic incidents and growing tensions in the city.