file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood Blog
Teaneck NJ, a 25-year-old man has been charged with simple assault and bias intimidation after allegedly spitting into a car during protests near a synagogue on Monday night, according to Teaneck Police Chief Andrew McGurr.
Protests Erupt Over Real Estate Event
The demonstration began at around 4 p.m. Monday near New Bridge Road and Roemer Avenue, across from Congregation Keter Torah. Protestors gathered in opposition to a private event inside the synagogue that reportedly showcased real estate in Israel, McGurr stated.
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Approximately 40 protestors assembled in a parking lot in River Edge and walked to Continental Park on Roemer Avenue.
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Around 250 counter-protestors gathered on the grounds of Keter Torah in response.
Tensions Rise as Protest Turns Confrontational
A video from the scene captured two groups separated by the street—one waving Palestinian flags, the other waving Israeli flags. A flyer promoting the demonstration described it as a protest “against the stolen Palestinian land sales event.”
Authorities positioned themselves between the opposing groups to maintain order. However, by 6 p.m., officers witnessed an incident that led to an arrest.
Assault Charge: What Happened?
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Police observed a protestor, later identified as Zachary Riccardo, 25, of Little Neck, N.Y., allegedly spit into a passing vehicle.
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The driver was reportedly honking in support of the counter-protestors when the spitting incident occurred.
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The vehicle did not stop, but officers quickly detained Riccardo and took him into custody.
Legal Consequences & Next Steps
Riccardo was charged with:
✔ Simple Assault
✔ Bias Intimidation
He was issued a summons and released, pending an appearance in Bergen Central Judicial Processing Court.
Ongoing Protests in Teaneck
This is not the first time protests have erupted near Congregation Keter Torah. Similar Pro-Palestine demonstrations took place last year when the synagogue hosted real estate fairs.
Local authorities continue to monitor tensions surrounding these events, urging residents to remain peaceful.
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