Debate Over Israel-Palestine Continues In West Orange: VIDEO

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange continues to see emotional, gripping debate over the Israel-Hamas war, which has now claimed thousands of lives in Israel and Palestine.

On Tuesday, several local residents spoke about the war during the public comment portion of the West Orange Town Council meeting.

Speakers included pro-Israel commenters, several of whom criticized a recent pro-Palestine student walkout at the high school, as well as their call for a ceasefire. They also criticized the students’ use of a controversial phrase during their march: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

• See Related: Controversial Slogan Incites Fear As West Orange Students Plan Walkout
• See Related: West Orange Students Hold Walkout Over Israel-Palestine War

Other speakers implored the council to recognize Palestinian suffering that has been wrought in the conflict, and provide more than “bland” declarations that “hate has no home here” – a reference to a recent township statement made about the war.

Watch footage from Tuesday below, or view it online here (video is cued to the public comment portion of the meeting).

Tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters have been ramping up in the township in recent months.

After the initial walkout plans were delayed at the high school, a group of community members showed up at a meeting of the West Orange Board of Education to demand better protection for pro-Palestine students, accusing some internet users of trying to “dox” the youths. See Related: West Orange Parents Fear Pro-Palestine Students May Be 'Doxed'

Some people have questioned whether using the term “doxing” is gaslighting the local Jewish community’s concerns, however.

“It’s dangerous to comment that people are being doxed because they are reposting things that are public,” a resident said during public comment on Tuesday night.

“If I post something on a Facebook comment and you re-share it, that’s not doxing,” he argued.

Casualties and suffering have been heavy for Israelis and Palestinians alike as war rages in the Middle East. Read More: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

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