Dozens of residents filled the Long Branch City Council chamber on Nov. 12 to press the council over six Israeli flags flying at Pier Village, a privately owned beachfront development, producing emotional testimony on both sides and a legal clarification from the city.

At the start of the public‑comment period, Jeff Walstein, who said a recent video of his remarks went viral, told the council the flags made many residents feel "nervous, anxious, and unwelcome" and argued the display amounted to unlawful viewpoint discrimination. "You can call me names," he said, "but you cannot erase the First Amendment."

Several other speakers urged removal. Dan D'Ambley, a fourth‑generation U.S. Army veteran, called the flags "treason" and repeated long‑standing claims about the 1967 USS Liberty attack. Ron Sheehy and others invoked veterans' service and called for a single American flag on public land. Nina Prella, who identified herself as a Long Branch homeowner with family in Gaza, described traumatic personal losses and said the flags cause her severe distress and PTSD.

Speakers supporting the flags or opposing removal said the display represents Jewish identity and safety for local Jews and warned that removing them could fuel antisemitism. Rich Siegel, who identified as Jewish and anti‑Zionist, said he considered the public display of Israeli flags "obscene," while Sami Mizrahi cited FBI hate‑crime data and urged caution so Jewish residents continue to feel safe.

After public comments, the city attorney clarified the legal situation. "Pier Village is a privately owned property," he said, and noted that although the property was once acquired via eminent domain in the past, it was later transferred to private ownership and is not a public forum subject to city flag rules. "The city of Long Branch did not put up any of these flags," he added, and "has no ability to regulate which flags go up on private property."

Mayor John Pallone condemned antisemitism and urged residents to distinguish between protected free expression and speech that harms the community. "Antisemitism, bigotry, and hate have no place in our city of Long Branch," he said, and called for unity and respectful dialogue.

The council took no formal action that night to remove or regulate the flags. Council members repeatedly invited residents to use civic channels and noted that, legally, the property owner retains First Amendment protections for pole displays on its own land. The meeting closed with the mayor urging further education and dialogue.

What happens next: no city directive to Pier Village was issued at the meeting; residents who oppose the flags urged continued public pressure and legal scrutiny, while others called for more inclusive flag‑display practices on municipal property.