In early March 2024, several synagogues in the United States and Canada hosted real estate events where properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — areas internationally considered occupied Palestinian territory — were marketed for sale to prospective buyers.
The events were organized in cooperation with real estate companies that advertised homes and land located in Israeli settlements built in the West Bank, territory captured by Israel in 1967 and considered illegal under international law by the United Nations and other international bodies.
One such event in Englewood, New Jersey, drew protests outside a synagogue where dozens of demonstrators opposed the marketing of properties they described as “stolen Palestinian land.” Police maintained a security presence.
Similar events were reported in Toronto and Montreal, where critics objected to the use of synagogue spaces for marketing properties in occupied territory. Local and national advocacy groups publicly condemned the events and called for investigation of the activities.
Supporters of the events said property information was being provided to potential buyers interested in real estate in Israel, while opponents said the marketing of land in settlements contributes to the ongoing dispossession of Palestinians and violates international norms.
Comments