Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on September 7, 2014

September 6, 2014, 10:53 PM Last updated: Saturday, September 6, 2014, 11:07 PM

CLOSTER A small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested outside a synagogue in Closter on Saturday.

A member of the congregation Temple Emanu-El on Piermont Road was arrested and charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct as a result of his attempt to confront the protesters, police said.

Four protesters stood on the sidewalk around 10:30 a.m. during Sabbath services, outside the long driveway that leads to the temple. They waved Palestinian flags and held signs saying, When Will We Jews Realize That Israel is Insane? and Zionism Threatens Us All.

Saturday was the third time since August that Rich Siegel of Teaneck, who described himself as Jewish, and another protester, Harry Clark of Fort Lee, were demonstrating in front of the temple. The group said they chose Temple Emanu-El because of a speech given by its rabbi, David-Seth Kirshner, in July at a pro-Israeli rally in New York City particularly when he gave what they said was a justification for Israeli tactics that led to civilian casualties in the recent hostilities in Gaza.

We need to confront the radical Zionists in this community, who spit out all this hate and brainwash people and lie, said another demonstrator, Nadal Hassan of North Bergen, who is from Palestine.

In a statement Saturday night, Deborah Tuchman, the president of the temple, expressed support for Israel and said Temple Emanu-Els congregants and clergy do not have any issue with protesters who peacefully protest and voice their opinion near the entrance to the Temples property.

It continued: Unfortunately, some of the recent protests have caused our worshipers to be concerned for their safety and there have been attempts to invade the privacy of our clergy. Appropriate limitations may be placed on free speech to ensure that it does not triumph over the free exercise of religion.

The protesters had been there since around 9 a.m. and left before the temples Saturday services ended. We dont feel its safe for us to be here when they leave, said Siegel.

Closter police Sgt. James Buccola said John Singer of Tenafly was arrested when he confronted the demonstrators against the wishes of temple leaders and then refused their demands to leave.

Read more:

Pro-Palestinian rally leads to one arrest at Closter synagogue

Category: Synagogue
Tags: