Politics & Government

New Milford First Municipality to Pass Anti-Semitism Resolution

Mayor and Council unanimously approve anti-semitism resolution

The Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning anti-Semitism during Monday's work session, making New Milford the first municipality in Bergen County to pass such a measure.

The resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Hedy Grant, is a response to a string of anti-Semitic incidents that recently occurred in Bergen County. Among them:

  • December 10th incident where anti-Semitic graffiti was spray-painted on the property of the Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel in Maywood.
  • December 21st  incident that occurred on the first day of Hanukkah where swastikas and other offensive markings were found spray-painted on the façade of Temple Beth El in Hackensack.
  • January 3rd  incident where arsonists used an accelerant to start a fire in the rear of Congregation K’hal Adath Jeshurun in Paramus.
  • January 11th incident where an incendiary device was thrown through the window of Congregation Beth El in Rutherford, a synagogue and rabbinic residence. 

The resolution acknowledges that the residents of New Milford have a rich history of being tolerant to all faiths and religions and that "an attack on one faith or religion is an attack on all."

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According to the document, the Mayor and Council condemn all forms of hatred and anti-Semitism and encourage the use of law enforcement resources of Bergen County "to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous acts." 

Grant told Patch that she is appalled by hate crimes.

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"Such crimes show a lack of compassion, understanding, tolerance and acceptance for those who are perceived to be 'different' in some way."

"Clearly the acts perpetuated against Bergen County synagogues — and in one case directly against a rabbi and his family — should not and must not be tolerated or accepted. I am proud that New Milford is the first municipality in Bergen County to publicly condemn such crimes," Grant said.  


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