Full Breakdown
Protests Against Israeli Immigration Event in New York City
1/9/2026, 8:19:18 AM
Overview of the Event
On Wednesday, anti-Israel activists planned to protest the Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN) Manhattan “NBN on Tour” event in New York City, which aimed to provide information for individuals considering aliyah, or immigration to Israel. The Palestinian Assembly for Liberation (PAL-Awda) NY/NJ organized the protest, labeling the event a “settler recruitment fair.” Despite the initial plans, the protest was canceled shortly after its scheduled start time.
Cancellation and Justification
PAL-Awda announced the cancellation of the protest, stating that their prior announcement had effectively pressured NBN into implementing a strict vetting process for attendees, thereby limiting their outreach. The group claimed that although the event proceeded, the diminished attendance constituted a "win" for their cause. They encouraged supporters to remain engaged and participate in a subsequent protest against an Israeli mortgage company event scheduled for Thursday evening.
Context and Background
Nefesh B'Nefesh has facilitated the immigration of approximately 80,000 individuals to Israel since its inception in 2002. The organization aims to support new immigrants as they integrate into Israeli society. However, PAL-Awda and other activists have criticized this immigration process, framing it as part of a broader narrative of Zionist colonial expansion. In a recent Instagram post, PAL-Awda emphasized the importance of confronting what they perceive as the pipeline of settlement in their communities.
Official Statements & Responses
An NBN representative affirmed the organization's commitment to ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all participants at their events. They emphasized prioritizing safety and well-being. In response to the protests, New York City Comptroller-elect Mark Levine condemned the hateful rhetoric directed at attendees, highlighting the tensions surrounding such events.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the protest, including local officials and supporters of NBN, have expressed concern over the hostile environment created by the demonstrations. Eyewitness accounts from previous NBN events indicated that participants faced harassment, with chants such as “Settler, settler, go back home, Palestine is ours alone” and “Death to the IDF” being reported. These incidents have raised alarms about the safety and inclusivity of public discussions surrounding immigration to Israel.
What's Next
Following the cancellation of the protest against the NBN event, PAL-Awda is set to lead another demonstration against an Israeli mortgage company in Queens. This upcoming event will likely continue the group's efforts to challenge what they view as the implications of Israeli immigration policies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Because of our announced protest, settler agency Nefesh B’Nefesh has been forced into the shadows. Their extreme vetting of attendees has hampered their outreach and vastly limited their ability to recruit settlers,” — PAL-Awda
- “It is our duty to confront the pipeline of settlement and Zionist colonial expansion that is taking place in our own neighborhoods,” — PAL-Awda
- “Comptroller-elect Mark Levine called out the "hatred" shouted by protesters outside a Nefesh B'Nefesh event.” — Mark Levine, Comptroller-elect
