Teaneck Gears Up for Protests Against Controversial Real Estate Fair
A contentious real estate fair promoting properties in Israel and West Bank settlements is set to return to New Jersey next week, sparking renewed protests amid rising tensions both locally and in the Middle East.
Scheduled for September 15, 16, and 17, the real estate fairs will be held at undisclosed locations in Long Island, New Jersey, and Baltimore. The organizer, My Home in Israel, has stated that the events will be private, and specific details will be provided only to registered participants due to security concerns.
The previous occurrence of this fair in Teaneck in March drew significant controversy. Hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters clashed outside the Keter Torah synagogue, where the event was held. Similar protests unfolded in Long Island, Queens, Los Angeles, and Montreal, highlighting the contentious nature of these real estate promotions.
Critics argue that these fairs contravene international law by promoting settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are deemed illegal under international standards. Additionally, they accuse the fairs of discriminating against non-Jews. On the other hand, some Jewish residents of Teaneck have claimed that the protests misrepresented the event and targeted Jewish communities unfairly.
Upcoming Protests and Press Conference in Teaneck
Activists are planning a protest and press conference outside the Teaneck Municipal Building to oppose the upcoming real estate fair. The press conference, scheduled for Sunday, will address settlement expansion concerns and feature a speaker, Adam Weissman, a Jersey City teacher who was injured in the West Bank during an anti-settlement demonstration last month.
The New Jersey chapter of American Muslims for Palestine has announced a protest at the municipal green on Monday at 4:30 p.m. Additional demonstrations are planned for Long Island and Baltimore.
Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies
Several civil rights groups have filed complaints with state and federal agencies, including the attorney generals of New Jersey and New York, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Justice Department. They seek investigations into whether the events violate housing discrimination laws by excluding non-Jews and marketing properties exclusively for Jewish buyers.
Gidon Katz, CEO of IMP Group, which organizes the fair, has previously stated that the event is purely educational and does not involve on-site sales. However, the complaints have prompted state investigations. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights has reportedly inquired about the event’s entry protocols, though officials have declined to confirm the specifics of the investigation. The federal Housing and Urban Development Department has also refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations.
Escalating Conflict and Community Response
The real estate fairs come at a time of heightened scrutiny due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, particularly in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have resulted in substantial loss of life and infrastructure damage. Settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank have also intensified, contributing to the unrest.
In August, a Jersey City teacher was shot during a demonstration against settlement expansion in the West Bank, further fueling tensions. The ongoing conflict has led to continuous local demonstrations, panels, and fundraisers in New Jersey, reflecting the deep-seated concerns and divergent views on the issue.
