'Settlers go back': Anti-Israel protest erupts in NYC's Jewish neighborhood
What's the story
An anti-Israel demonstration turned violent in Boro Park, an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City on Tuesday night.
The protest was organized by Pal-Awda, a group opposing Israel's policies.
Protesters chanted slogans such as "Zionists go to hell" and "How many kids did you kill today?" while waving Palestinian flags.
They were there to oppose what they claimed was Palestinian land being sold off to Israel.
Escalating tensions
Protesters call for 'intifada revolution,' clash with pro-Israel group
"There is only one solution, intifada revolution," the protest organizer yelled using a megaphone.
This was met with counter-protests from pro-Israel demonstrators who had also gathered at the scene, leading to heightened tensions.
The police had set up barricades to separate the two groups, but a brawl broke out when they converged.
The police were then forced to intervene and restore order.
Twitter Post
Visuals of the protest
BREAKING: Hamas supporters are attacking Jews in Boro Park, Brooklyn, New York, in the heart of the Orthodox Jewish community.
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) February 19, 2025
These are terrorists in America. They need to be deported.pic.twitter.com/b2rQG8ydYU
Aftermath
One arrested, local leaders condemn protest
One person was arrested during the protest, with charges still pending.
The event was strongly condemned by local leaders.
Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres slammed the protesters for targeting Borough Park "simply because it is Jewish."
He added that "violence is not a bug but a feature of the so-called 'Free Palestine' movement."
Ongoing unrest
Protest follows numerous demonstrations in NYC
This protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations that have rocked New York City since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
The latest unrest came shortly after Hamas confirmed the deaths of hostages Kfir and Ariel Bibas, aged two and five, and their mother Shiri Bibas.
Hamas alleged that the three were killed in Israeli bombardment, although Israel has yet to confirm this.