A New York man was charged with bias intimidation Monday night after police in Bergen County said they observed him spit in a person’s face during a large demonstration over the Israel-Gaza war.
More than 1,000 people filled the streets outside Congregation Bnai Yeshurun on West Englewood Avenue in Teaneck for a demonstration that lasted from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., according to police. The demonstration was in response to a private event at the congregation that involved a speaker from ZAKA, an Israeli non-governmental search and rescue organization.
“Prior to Monday’s event, there was widespread attention on social media calling for protests/demonstrations,” Teaneck Police Chief Andrew R. McGurr said in a news release on Tuesday.
“Demonstrators and counter-demonstrators filled local streets in the area, numbering over 1,000,” McGurr said.
Prior to the event, McGurr said his officers coordinated with community leaders and law enforcement agencies to develop “a comprehensive plan” that focused on maintaining order while safeguarding the rights of protesters.
McGurr said members of multiple law enforcement agencies, along with officers from 10 area police departments, provided mutual aid and resources during the demonstration.
As the demonstration concluded, officers said they observed a man “spit in the face” of an opposing protester. Officers arrested the man, and he was later released on a summons to appear in court.
The man is charged with fourth-degree bias intimidation and simple assault as a disorderly person’s offense, McGurr said.
Stories by Anthony G. Attrino
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.