A for-profit company renting out a Teaneck synagogue on Sunday to pitch real estate deals in Israel ― including some in the occupied West Bank ― has drawn calls for protests and investigations after one of the region’s most outspoken Jewish critics of Israel cried foul.
But synagogue members say characterizations of the event at a recent Township Council meeting by Rich Siegel ― who condemns Israel for its treatment of Palestinians and has organized protests of other real estate events in the past ― have been inaccurate. Siegel raised concerns that the settlements violate international law.
“I have heard from residents that they are afraid for Teaneck,” said Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg. “I think the overall temperature in town continues to be inflamed, and I personally feel that Jewish fear and pain is not being acknowledged.”
The event by My Home in Israel Real Estate will include financial experts and lawyers to explain the complexities of buying real estate in Israel and in three West Bank settlements, advertisements say.
West Bank settlements at heart of debate
The property being marketed in West Bank settlements is the point of contention. Most international bodies and the United States consider such settlements illegal under international law. Israel recognizes 127 legal settlements in the West Bank, according to the Israel Policy Forum, an advocacy and lobbying group that works toward a two-state solution in the Middle East.
The Israel Policy Forum also…
