New York City’s commercial real estate industry is plunged into grief and anger following Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Those sentiments spilled onto social media on Monday when restaurateur Keith McNally posted an inflammatory comment on Instagram.
“The more unpleasant the facts, the greater our responsibility to listen to the other side,” he wrote alongside a photo of Hamas rockets being fired at Israel.
A number of commentators, including New York City real estate figures such as Jack Keir and Jared Epstein, criticized McNally in the comments on his post. Many people vowed never to eat at his restaurant again.
Contacted by Page Six, McNally initially defended his message, saying, “This doesn’t mean forgiveness.” This does not mean not retaliating. It simply means “listen.” There’s nothing to lose by listening to it. ”
Star agent Tal Alexander was surprised.
“Hear me over there? Keith, are you uneducated about what Hamas is?” he wrote.
“They are a recognized terrorist organization and they will not stop until it ends.” And all Jews were exterminated.
You should know that many people make comments like that when they are hurt. Keith, you work in the hospitality industry, and many of your customers are Jewish. I will never eat at your restaurant again.I think everyone listening should think twice about supporting your restaurant[s] Until I got an education. ”
Mr. Kaile stated simply. “Never go to your restaurant!” he declared.
Eventually, McNally deleted the message and retracted his comments. “Hamas is a terrorist organization made up of murderers and thugs,” he wrote. “I apologize for my post.”
But the incident reflects a lack of sensitivity to the horrors plaguing Israelis living in commercial real estate, and Jews in general, as reports of atrocities continue.
Epstein, one of McNally’s landlords, said: “I will do everything in my power, through my voice and social media, to encourage supporters of Israel and Jews around the world to stand up and make their voices heard. I’m doing that,” he said. “We must all never forget the Holocaust and the fact that our silence contributed to a genocide that lasted for far too long.”
The commercial real estate community is more than just a voice. Leading companies in the industry are making donations to provide food, water, shelter and even helmets to people caught up in conflict.
Israeli-born Shimon Shukri, founder and president of Ariel Property Advisors, is a member and member of numerous Israel-focused real estate organizations, including the Real Estate Division of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and the Real Estate Council of the Israel Defense Forces. Be a leader. He is known as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, AIPAC.
Shukri said he and some of Ariel Property Advisors and its staff donate to various organizations that help support Israelis and the Israeli military.
“This is not just against Israel,” Shukri said of Hamas’ attacks. “This is against the Western world. This is against America. So from that perspective, it’s really heartwarming to see how much support we have.”
KPG co-founder Greg Kraut came up with a plan for how to respond to those who don’t condemn Hamas. It was to impose a single sanction.
The boutique office developer has pledged not to hire students who protest Israel. He will not travel to any country or accept investment from any country unless its leaders denounce Hamas. And we will not patronize artists, musicians, athletes, or airlines who do not condemn Hamas.
“What really makes a difference is when you have more room in your wallet,” he said. “People should understand that these things have economic consequences that affect them throughout their lives.”
For those with family in Israel, the situation is incredibly dire, but it is not paralyzing and many are taking action.
“My immediate family is safe, but there are dozens of people we know who are dead, kidnapped or missing,” said the real estate developer. Michael Shubo said. “In fact, when this all started, my family in the United States came to visit me, and they all got back on the plane and flew to Israel. They all wanted to get back to their country, and some of them fought against the enemy. Some were there to go to