New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that police are investigating a series of violent incidents tied to clashing protests between pro-Israel demonstrators and anti-Israel activists during an official’s visit, including the reported assault of two women.
The protests flared up during a visit by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a strong defender of Israeli sovereignty and a West Bank resident. Ben-Gvir has consistently called for a tougher stance against Hamas terrorists in Gaza — a stance that triggered a wave of hostility from left-wing activists in the U.S.
According to Adams, violence broke out Thursday when a group of anti-Israel protesters surrounded the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters — one of the world’s most prominent centers for Jewish faith and education — in Brooklyn.
“Initial reports indicate that one female protester was isolated from her group, harassed by counter-protesters, and suffered injuries. In another incident, a second woman was surrounded and subjected to vile threats by counter-protesters,” Adams posted on social media.
A disturbing clip showing part of the incident went viral, amassing nearly 9 million views on X. One person has already been arrested, and the NYPD is actively working to identify more individuals involved.
Mayor Adams stressed that “hate has no place” in New York City, though many critics have argued that city leadership has been slow to crack down on radical anti-Israel activism that increasingly spills into open bigotry.
The New York Times reported that amidst the chaos, hateful chants — including “death to Arabs” — were heard, highlighting the toxic environment stoked by extremist rhetoric on both sides.
Tensions have soared nationwide as pro-Palestinian activists — often aligned with far-left causes — increasingly clash with pro-Israel demonstrators. Human rights groups have warned about rising antisemitism, anti-Arab hate, and general intolerance since Hamas’s brutal October 2023 attacks on Israel sparked the ongoing war.
Ben-Gvir’s recent speaking events in the U.S. have faced organized leftist protests, including disruptions at Yale University and near a New York City synagogue this past weekend. His Sunday event was ultimately canceled amid safety concerns.
Despite mounting tensions, Israel’s defenders are urging Americans to stand firmly with the Jewish state as it continues its fight against Hamas and terrorism.
