Rabbi wants to buy Libyan-owned estate

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach wants to purchase the Libyan-owned mansion next door to his New Jersey home and turn it into a Jewish learning center.

Boteach told NorthJersey.com that he plans to raise up to $6 million to purchase the 4-acre property and mansion in Englewood.

Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi had planned to stay on the property in a Bedouin tent during his visit last year for the United Nations General Assembly. Boteach led neighborhood protests to keep out Gadhafi, who did not stay in the community.

The Libyan ambassador to the United Nations and his family moved into the estate last month.

Boteach is suing the Libyan mission to the United States for damage to his property allegedly caused during construction work on the property.

There is no indication that the Libyan government is willing to sell the property, according to reports. — jta