A synagogue in New Jersey has found itself at the center of a controversy over a scheduled presentation involving real estate in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
NorthJersey.com is reporting My Home in Israel Real Estate is renting Congregation Ketah Torah on March 10 for a presentation that feature financial experts and lawyers who will explain the financial implications of real estate sales in Israel and in three West Bank settlements. The U.S. considers the settlements to be illegal under international law.
A spokesperson for Congregation Keter Torah said the synagogue is not involved with the presentation, adding the event is informational and will not involve sales transactions. The New Jersey chapters of the Council on American Islamic Relations and American Muslims for Palestine called for a federal probe of the event to determine if it is inconsistent with international law.
JNS.com is reporting anti-Israel activists have made public calls for protests in Teaneck because of the event.
Yigal Gross, a spokesman, for the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee, stated, “It is no coincidence that this random, quiet New Jersey town has become such a flashpoint for pro-Palestinian activism. These protesters are here because we are here.”
Gross added, “Targeting religious institutions, particularly during times when families and children are gathering, represents an increased threat and creates a situation that could easily escalate and get out of hand.”
