NJ Resistance Report: Issue #1 Special Edition

This week, both locally in New Jersey and on the national stage, the Palestinian solidarity movement has faced significant pushback. Forces loyal to Israel are working to suppress this growing movement through grassroots pressure and state repression.

Locally, a protest against a synagogue that hosted an Israeli soldier has sparked unjustified outrage and threats against the group South Orange – Maplewood for Palestine (SOMA-P). At the same time, state legislators are pushing to adopt the repressive IHRA definition of anti-Semitism into state law, which could stifle free speech and activism on Palestinian issues.

On the national stage, the Trump administration has continued to fuel violence in the West Bank. The administration is pressuring neighboring countries to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza while also enacting executive orders aimed at criminalizing the movement in solidarity with Palestine. One such order targets foreign students involved in “pro-Hamas” protests, threatening their student visas. In addition, Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit him next week, signaling continued support for the Israeli government’s actions.

Together, these actions represent a two-pronged attack on the Palestinian solidarity movement. The first prong targets Palestinians, with efforts to enable Israel to annex Gaza and the West Bank through ethnic cleansing. The second prong seeks to silence activists, using fear and intimidation to quash resistance, nullify international law, and allow these crimes to continue unchecked.

Wednesday:

• South NJ for Palestine held a rally from 3-4:30 PM at Pioneer’s Steakhouse in Mt. Laurel, braving gale-force winds in their call for justice.
• Teaneck for Peace and Justice gathered from 3-4 PM at the National Guard Armory, advocating for peace and accountability.

Friday:

• Montclair for Peace and Justice hosted a rally from 4-5 PM at 2 Church Street, demanding an end to U.S. support for Israeli war crimes in Palestine.

One-Time Events:

• Princeton Students rallied at Friend Hall on Thursday, January 27th, calling for the administration to divest its endowment from Israeli businesses and join the academic boycott of Israel. They also demanded an end to all relationships with Israeli universities until Israel ends the occupation of Palestine and allows Palestinians to return to their homes.

SOMA for Palestine Targeted After Synagogue Protest

On Sunday, January 26th, the Oheb Shalom Synagogue hosted a speaker from the IDF to discuss his experiences in Gaza. In response, a peaceful protest was organized outside the synagogue, with demonstrators voicing opposition to the involvement of an Israeli soldier. During the protest, someone chalked the words “terrorists this way” on the entrance driveway leading to the synagogue.

This action has resulted in significant backlash against the group South Orange and Maplewood for Palestine (SOMA-P). The mayors of both Maplewood and South Orange have condemned the incident and initiated an investigation through the Essex County Special Victims Unit. They have increased security at pro Israel Synagogues and are working to ““identify everyone that may have been involved in this.”

In a statement, SOMA-P clarified that the protest was organized by out-of-town activists and that their group had only learned about the protest after it began. One member of the local group arrived late to the protest, and to have had no role in it accept as participants. The local SOMA for Palestine member only attended for under 30 minutes. SOMA-P, which regularly holds peaceful protests on Sundays from 3-4 PM in various downtown locations in South Orange and Maplewood, has become the primary target of local pro Israel groups. As a result, SOMA-P is calling for increased support at their next rally, which will be held this Sunday from 2-3 PM at Maplewood Township building on Valley Street. They are dedicating this protest to the Palestinian girl Hind Rajab who was murdered by an Israeli tank, and are calling for massive turnout to drown out any counter protesters.

IHRA Definition advances in State Senate

From The Palestinian American Community Center: The IHRA definition of antisemitism limits our free speech because of its association to criticizing the Zionist state! Defending Palestine is not a crime, protect free speech. PUSH BACK on IHRA. As a community, we have been holding strong against this restriction. As a result, it has NOT been put to a vote yet. We need to push again now. MAKE YOUR CALLS. SAY NO TO IHRA. Contact your Assembly Member today using this link: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/district-15

Please also support all assembly candidates who oppose this legislation, or consider running yourself.