Debate Over Antisemitism Rages At West Orange Council Meeting

WEST ORANGE, NJ — What is “antisemitism?” The debate over the answer to that question tied up much of the West Orange Town Council meeting this week – and will likely continue at their next gathering.

The council was scheduled to vote on a resolution to “confront, condemn and combat antisemitism” at their Tuesday meeting. But despite an emotional debate that played out for several hours during the public comment segment, the council postponed a vote until they resume the meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

According to the resolution’s text, it is an attempt to “confront and denounce antisemitism, discrimination, racism, hate and violence in all of its manifestations, and stand in solidarity with our Jewish community members.”

The resolution names several recent incidents of antisemitism that have taken place in West Orange and nearby towns:

SWASTIKAS - “Swastikas have been found on the sidewalk in front of Temple B’nai Shalom, which were vigorously investigated by the West Orange Police Department, as well as on the bridge at South Mountain Arena and in many public schools in and around West Orange.” (Read More Here)

STOLEN BUS - “A Livingston Board of Education school bus was stolen and the suspect found to have a journal that contained notes about 'jihad' and other language against Jewish people and law enforcement.” (Read More Here)

MOLOTOV COCKTAIL - “In Bloomfield at Temple Ner Tamid, a Molotov cocktail was hurled at the doors of their synagogue.” (Read More Here)

West Orange has also seen troubling incidents in the past, the resolution states: “In 1971, a bomb was planted and exploded in the sanctuary of the then West Orange Jewish Center (now Temple B’nai Shalom).”

“All of these acts have detrimentally impacted our community and must be taken as an opportunity to teach about these issues and seek paths for healing and eliminating such hate,” the resolution states.

The resolution attempts to align the definition of “antisemitism” by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) interpretation, which reads:

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Dozens of people spoke in favor – and against – the measure at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Pro-Israel speakers expressed concerns about the rising number of antisemitic incidents that have been taking place in West Orange over the past few years. They also criticized some of the slogans that have been heard at local protests, such as “From the River to the Sea” and “Free Palestine.”

• See Related: Controversial Slogan Incites Fear As West Orange Students Plan Walkout
• See Related: West Orange Mayor Cancels Palestine Flag Raising, Critics Cry Foul

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian speakers, some of whom are Jews, said such a resolution should encompass the entire community, as Islamophobia is also on the rise in New Jersey.

• See Related: West Orange Students Hold Walkout Over Israel-Palestine War
• See Related: West Orange Parents Fear Pro-Palestine Students May Be 'Doxed'
  
• See Related: NJ Activists: 'Criticizing Israel Doesn't Make You Antisemitic'

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