Protest in Brooklyn for Hamas Leader

Dozens of protesters gathered in Brooklyn on Sunday to hold a prayer vigil for Ismail Haniyeh, the recently killed leader of Hamas, who died in a bombing in Iran. Attendees expressed their outrage over what they described as a targeted assassination by "Zionist and US imperialist partners." A young man, draped in a keffiyeh, read a statement condemning the act, claiming it was an attempt to undermine ceasefire negotiations and perpetuate violence against Palestinians. The vigil featured participants wearing keffiyeh scarves adorned with the Palestinian flag, reflecting their solidarity with Haniyeh and the Palestinian cause. However, the event drew criticism from some Jewish community members, including local resident Felder, who questioned the motivations of those attending. The presence of Jewish individuals associated with Neturei Karta International (NKI), a group opposing Zionism and the existence of Israel, further fueled the controversy. Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, labeled NKI's beliefs as "bizarre," emphasizing their rejection of Israel's legitimacy until the arrival of the messiah. Jewish activist Jeffrey Wiesenfeld condemned the vigil, comparing it to pro-Hitler sentiments during World War II. Haniyeh's death, initially reported as an airstrike, was confirmed to be caused by a remotely detonated bomb, leading Hamas to appoint Yahya Sinwar as his interim successor until elections can be held next year.