I saw my first keffiyeh since the Simchas Torah massacre this past Sunday – in my own community no less.

We set out to publish the Queens Jewish Link each week with an open mind to paint a bright future for Jews in America and abroad. Since October 7, that mission has become more difficult, with a jarring rise of attention drawn from anti-Israel groups. The stats speak for themselves. Well over 10,000 requests for aliyah have been made since Hamas’ heinous attack, 1,800 have since made the move from North America with some 2,000 still to arrive from the region over the summer months, a whopping increase of 76% from a year ago.

As such, our publication, much like those in our circle, fill pages with advertising of home-buying opportunities in the Holy Land, making the dream a reality for so many. A unique opportunity was presented when Yitzchak Kowalsky, a Queens-proud entrepreneur, sought to help Americans find the property of their dreams in Yerushalayim. Kowalsky, an IDF reservist whose grandfather originally was the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Hillcrest, chose this past week to visit family in Holliswood. Together, we planned two public opportunities for locals to learn about prospects, one in Teaneck, where Moshe Kinderlehrer publishes the Jewish Link of Bergen County, and one in Queens for our audience.

Kowalsky is CEO at YYK Real Estate, a premier Yerushalayim-based agency, focused on assisting first-time buyers and experienced investors of the Jerusalem market with a unique, personalized, hassle-free approach for those seeking to join a thriving Anglo community. A free seminar was chosen as the perfect method to meet prospects, and an informative evening dubbed, “Your A-Z Guide to Purchase Real Estate in Israel” was planned, with a discussion around current opportunities. While some desire ground floor apartments, others need large family apartments, some need storage, others want parking spaces, and yet others yearn for a boutique environ. With a portfolio mainly outside of disputed areas, YYK focuses in Talbiyah, Leib Yaffe, Arnona Valley, Efrat, Mevo Modi’im, and others. These events were never planned as sales or auction; rather, they were educational opportunities.

Our published advertising did not list a seminar site; rather it encouraged interested parties to reach Kowalsky for more information. Poised to not give an ounce of credit to the anti-Israel forces within our midst – and who are obviously counted amongst our readership – I will not name the groups who chose to demonstrate against both educational offerings. Said to have been paid $300 for their three-hours of time at each event, the protestors came with vile signage meant to trigger onlookers and were prepared to give law enforcement a difficult night. Using their constitutional right to parade nonsensical claims of an auction or “sale of real estate in illegally occupied territory,” protestors failed miserably at their vain attempt, as a virtual presentation drew over 50 community members, each standing in face of the hatred in our streets.

In our search for a host site, Rabbi Yaniv and Leora Meirov’s Congregation Charm Circle emerged as the opportune locale. While design as a shul following Eidut HaMizrach customs, the minyanim regularly attract Jews of both Sephardic and Ashkenazic origins. What better site could there be for such a conversation? The Meirovs are longstanding local personalities who have brought consistent daily Torah programs for all ages to Park Drive East, just off 72nd Avenue. Residing on the same block, the Meirovs sacrificed more than most this past Sunday evening as their block swelled with some 300 or so protestors. Since launching Chazaq, Rabbi Meirov – a humble individual who withdraws from areas of contention at all costs – has often gone where others fear and, baruch Hashem, continues making a tremendous impact in the Torah world each day. But caving to the ideologies and threats of those anti-American militants was not an option for the Queens program.

With guidance from Mayor Adams’ office, and the direction of outspoken voices like Deputy Chief Richie Taylor (NYPD Community Affairs Bureau’s Commanding Officer), provisions were made for the protest to move forward in a safe manner. Working with Community Affairs Officers Tim Gorman and Kevin McCarthy, a plan was set in place under the direction of the 107th Police Precinct in consultation with Queens Shmira. Meshulam Lisker and Brad Martin each joined the public safety group as both Board Members and active members. They joined Coordinator Avraham Pinkhasov and Socia Media Coordinator Shaya Llyod and others, including me, to ensure area homes and residents were minimally affected. Assemblymembers Sam Berger and Nily Rozic, and New York City Council Members James Gennaro and Lynn Schulman each had an invested interest in the community’s welfare. The Mayor’s Office was hands-on from the beginning to the end of Sunday’s ordeal, working with NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau, Queens South brass, Internal Affairs, Legal, Counterterrorism, and of course police officers under the direction of the 107th Precinct.

I can attest that no home nor individual from the community was ever put at risk this past Sunday. There was widespread fear that unsavory people would be lurking around the area, but it was not the case. These individuals were nearly all outside agitators who came for the purpose of making noise, exactly as we had been informed prior. Nobody was found within the community prior or after; they were assumingly paid to cause stress and havoc for three hours when an event was to be held. No one person accessed Cong. Charm Circle outside of Israel Peskowitz, who was tasked with holding the shul down while NYPD guarded its perimeter.

The protestors, like others citywide, shouted terminology that was uneasy for locals to stomach. This was their plan. Counter-protestors also came in, primarily from Brooklyn, as Queens residents were urged by shul and community leaders not to attend or validate the demonstrators. I spoke to their leaders in the days leading up to the planned protest and was assured that they were intending only to counteract the actions and words of agitators, and this was exactly the purpose that they served. The protest began promptly at 5:30 p.m. and was dispersed by 8:30 p.m., falling in line with presumptions made based on those within their group who were paid. Separated in front of the adult area of the city park that lines the Van Wyck Expressway, both sides solely exchanged words.

Social media filled with videos of two known incidents that occurred outside of the protest area. One scuffle ensued on the basketball court below and was quickly remedied. Another altercation resulted when the Jewish community was infuriated by members of the Neturei Karta, who cheered and jeered alongside anti-Israel elements. While I cannot condone the actions of the person who laid a punch against one of their protectors, I certainly understand where he came from. A highlight that brought unity was when local DJ Eli Arshadnia connected his equipment to a local home, bringing Jewish song to the tense street and nearly silencing the anti-Israel tirade. While the protest did move towards this home, it was decided that the measure was unsafe and subsequently ended, but the point was clearly made: The Jewish community will not surrender!

I extend a personal note of appreciation to Mayor Adams for his direct and consistent attention to the ongoings in our neighborhood, and as well to Chief Taylor for ensuring that every detail was addressed primarily by Officer Gorman, who led point from the NYPD throughout the evening.

Am Yisrael Chai!

By Shabsie Saphirstein