I agree with the previous writer about the dangerous, antisemitic rhetoric coming from certain elected officials and the protesters themselves. If, chas v’shalom, blood is ever spilled, those voices will bear responsibility.
But let’s be honest about something else: who will really be held accountable?
The sleazebags running these so-called “real estate events.”
They couldn’t care less about our safety, and they couldn’t care less about Israel. It’s about the benjamins — nothing else. A handful of people looking to make money host an event in the heart of a residential neighborhood, in a shul no less, and the result is chaos: massive NYPD deployment costing millions, streets flooded with agitators, and families trapped in fear inside their own homes.
Meanwhile, Flatbush Shomrim and the NYPD deserve tremendous credit for their outstanding work protecting the community under extremely difficult circumstances.
But who gains from all of this? A few money-hungry organizers — and no one else.
Shame on them. And shame on the shul that refused to cancel the event, even after people of influence reached out. Who needs this? While organizers sit comfortably, thousands of local residents are left dealing with panic, frightened children, and streets overrun by hostile crowds.
Why not rent a space in Manhattan? Why bring this directly into quiet residential blocks and force families to bear the consequences?
And to those showing up looking for confrontation or spectacle — if you truly want to make a statement, there are plenty of places where these debates are already playing out. Don’t turn our neighborhoods into battlegrounds.
We have had enough.
And to all the pathetic, bored 70 year old retired Jewish women waving their smart phones and being all “pro-Israel”, if you really care, then take a subway to Manhattan and attend the daily protests and show your face there. The same goes for Jewish teens looking for action. Be a tough guy. Go face off with these terrorists in Manhattan. Get off our streets.
Yes, we absolutely have the right to host events on any issue we choose. The same First Amendment protections that allow protests also protect our ability to gather and speak.
But having the right to do something does not make it wise.
There needs to be judgment, responsibility, and awareness. Hosting events that are almost guaranteed to inflame tensions and draw hostile crowds into our neighborhoods is not responsible leadership. It is reckless.
No one is suggesting we surrender our rights or allow bad actors to dictate how we live. But knowingly placing our communities in the crosshairs is not strength — it’s negligence.
These events may make a statement, but they are failing where it matters most: protecting the safety, security, and peace of mind of the families who live here.
At some point, leadership must step up and recognize that the well-being of the broader community must come before the desire to make a public statement — no matter how justified that statement may be.
Yaakov G. – Flatbush
The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
6 Responses
I 100% agree, last year in another shul in Flatbush around Avenue N a similar event was cancelled upon advice from Daas Torah and there was minimal chaos and disruption and no need for people’s lives to be disrupted and shuls, shiurim and mikvaos were left alone unlike yesterday. The days of the JDL looking for fights have gone the way of the dodo bird no real frum politician supports these events only those who substitute Yahadus with Zionism push this as they have no Daas Torah to guide them.
Drag people under the rug while remaining anonymous? grow up
Mearaglim atem.
@Mordechai Hatzadik – Why don’t you respond to his comments instead of just calling out his anonymity….
and BTW, can’t you be accused of the same anonymity?? #AFAF
Worst kind of NIMBY i’ve ever seen — one that emboldens our enemies. YWN should’ve exercised prudence and not publish this stupid letter.
Actually, resurrection of the JDL would be in order. The tactics to remain a force while avoiding the targeting by the anti-Semitic Hamas and terror supporting administration would need some modification. The mob mentality that controls these Mamdani inspired thugs is strong, and will not stop until enough of them are eliminated with carcasses found. Simple? No. Illegal, of course. But if the law won’t stop lawlessness, then the need for street justice is extreme. I’d rather there was proper consequences, like arrests, and real jail time. Neither Gracie Mansion nor the Democrat judges will allow that. I normally oppose anyone taking law into their own hands. What’s the choice?