Dueling protests erupt in Midwood over controversial Israeli real estate expo

May 13, 2026 - 03:03

Tensions flared again in Brooklyn on Sunday as rival protest groups faced off outside a controversial Israeli real estate exhibition in Midwood. The event, held at a local venue, drew hundreds of demonstrators just days after similar clashes erupted on the Upper East Side over the same property showcase.

Pro-Palestinian activists gathered early, waving flags and chanting slogans against what they call the normalization of settlements in occupied territories. They were met by a larger contingent of pro-Israel supporters, many holding Israeli flags and singing national anthems. Police formed a buffer line between the two sides, separating them by several blocks to prevent physical confrontations.

The expo itself featured land and housing developments in Israel, including properties in the West Bank. Organizers defended the event as a legitimate business opportunity for diaspora Jews looking to invest or relocate. Critics argue that promoting real estate in disputed areas violates international law and fuels ongoing conflict.

By mid-afternoon, the crowd had swelled to an estimated 1,500 people. No major injuries were reported, though officers made a handful of arrests for disorderly conduct. Local residents expressed frustration over the repeated disruptions, with some calling for a permanent ban on such expos in the neighborhood.

Both sides have vowed to continue their protests at future events, signaling that the debate over Israeli settlements and Palestinian rights is far from settled on New York streets.