Brighton police say three people have been charged following an altercation on Friday at a protest in support of Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war.
A small crowd gathered at Twelve Corners in the afternoon, calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. The protesters set up across the street from Twelve Corners Middle School and High School at dismissal time, chanting, waving signs and displaying fake bodies and body parts.
“We are here asking to cease fire and continue negotiations,” said protest organizer Kim Nelson. “Let me add, of course, we also want all hostages freed. We want everyone to be safe.”
Across the street on another corner, counter-protesters were waving the flag of Israel.
“[The protesters are] very threatening,” said Israel supporter Jack Ross. “I mean at the rallies I’ve been at, they come right up to you and they say, ‘Are you Jewish? Are you a Zionist?’ Yes, yes and I’m very proud of the fact that I’m Jewish and that I’m a Zionist.”
Three people were taken into custody after police say an altercation occurred on South Winton Road. Police say Assaf Ronen, 52, and Jacob Ronen, 18, both of Shortsville, began throwing eggs from a vehicle, and then Sofyan Jaber, 42, of Greece, approached the vehicle.
Police say Assaf Ronen is charged with second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct, Jacob Ronen is charged with disorderly conduct and Jaber is charged with disorderly conduct. All three are scheduled to appear in Brighton Town Court at a later date.
“People are out here just trying to say their piece, and we just have to make sure everybody has an opportunity to do that and we’re just there to keep the peace," said Brighton Police Department Capt. Jose Caraballo.