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Englewood Police Chief Thomas Greeley had backup from several local police departments, as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, at the gathering on Tuesday night, Oct. 24, which ended without any major incidents after he convinced the council to cut its meeting short.
Both sides were at odds over a resolution approved by the City Council earlier this month -- the first of its kind in New Jersey -- standing in solidarity with Israel against Hamas.
Police used metal barricades to divide the groups on either side of the entrance to the Public Safety Complex on South Van Brunt Street at Englewood Avenue.
Both were “kept as safe as possible, even though there was a consistent heated exchange lasting over well two hours,” Greeley said.
Floodlights lit the area and officers were stationed on the roof and other key locations. Some in tactical gear were present but not needed.
As soon as trouble seemed possible, police asked the City Council members to end their meeting early.
In the end, two people were arrested and charged with rioting, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct: Mazen Habib, 23, of North Bergen, and Rabee Owda, 23, of Paterson, who also had an outstanding warrant out of the Silk City.
Three were charged with rioting and disorderly conduct: Mustafa Tbaileh, 24, of Irvington, Mamoon Rabah, 26, of Wayne, and Shahin Habiebh, 24, of Paterson.
Habiebh was sent to the Bergen County Jail, although it wasn't immediately clear why. Jail records didn't list any warrants, although it was noted that he is a Dutch national born in the Netherlands Antilles.
Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes said the evening was marred by the discovery of protestors “desecrating the Israeli flag in front of a group of peaceful Israeli protesters.”
“Such actions have no place in our city, especially after the heinous crimes committed by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7,” the mayor said.
“If we are to ever overcome these dark times, we must come together, condemn terrorist actions, and respect each other, even if we may disagree.
“No civilian life on either side should be taken, and I hope we soon reach the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Greeley, meanwhile, thanked his law enforcement partners and urged anyone with addition information about the evening or any related crime(s) to contact the Englewood Police Department: (201) 568-2700.
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