Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right security minister and an ultranationalist settler leader, has ignited controversy during his first state visit to the United States since joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet three years ago. That visit provoked passionate protests and riots in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. When pro-Palestinian supporters turned on the local Orthodox Jewish community, tensions escalated.
We will remember that this past December, Ben-Gvir was convicted for inciting violence and supporting extremist groups. He is now calling for pogroms against the Palestinians and shilling his vision of “Jewish Power.” His subsequent appearance in Crown Heights drew national outrage. The neighborhood, which houses the global headquarters of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, was brimming with unrest. Protesters came out to express their condemnation of Ben-Gvir, which resulted in aggressive exchanges between Ben-Gvir supporters and protesters.
Witnesses reported that the situation escalated rapidly. Another woman shared her harrowing story of being violently assaulted at the protest by a mob.
“As soon as I pulled up my scarf, a group of 100 men came over immediately and encircled me,” – The woman.
As she described it, the crowd chanted threats against her, calling out “death to Arabs.” She was upset that law enforcement had failed to act.
“I thought the police would protect me from the mob, but they did nothing to intervene,” – The woman.
Since Ben-Gvir’s provocative visit, protests have taken place in over three dozen cities across the U.S. His polarizing reputation gives rise to vigorous reactions both inside Israel and outside it. Critics have rightfully blasted his behavior, calling it “despicable.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in a public statement responding to the commotion that erupted in response to Ben-Gvir’s visit,
“Let me be clear: none of this is acceptable, in fact, it is despicable,” – Eric Adams.
The protests highlight deeper divisions within the community, as some members of the Orthodox Jewish population expressed support for Ben-Gvir while others opposed his views and actions. The conflict prompted discussions on safety, community and tolerance in Brooklyn’s diverse residential enclaves. One participant in the crowd declared:
“This is America,” – One of the men in the crowd.
Pro-Palestinian activists were attacked by supporters of Ben-Gvir. Bystanders’ recordings fed the national debate over his incendiary visit, which many argue was intended to stoke more violence. Ben-Gvir’s presence in Crown Heights, which has historical significance for both Jewish and Palestinian communities, has underscored the challenges facing these groups in navigating their identities and beliefs amid ongoing political tensions.
“We got Israel. We got an Army now,” – One of the men in the crowd.
As Ben-Gvir’s supporters clashed with pro-Palestinian activists, bystanders captured videos documenting the unrest, adding to the growing discourse surrounding his controversial visit. Ben-Gvir’s presence in Crown Heights, which has historical significance for both Jewish and Palestinian communities, has underscored the challenges facing these groups in navigating their identities and beliefs amid ongoing political tensions.