Newark Mayor: Don’t Use Israel-Hamas War To Fan Flames Of Hate

NEWARK, NJ — The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has inspired condemnation for the loss of life on both sides in New Jersey’s largest city. But while it’s vital to stand firm against the deaths of innocent civilians, it’s also important not to let the war fan the flames of hate, Newark’s mayor says.

On Monday, Ras Baraka issued a statement about the “escalation of violence and inhumanity in Gaza and Israel,” urging Newark residents to seek unity and peace with each other – not anger.

The latest round of harrowing violence in the Gaza Strip has shocked the world, including people living thousands of miles away in New Jersey.

As of Oct. 13, more than 1,300 people in Israel – including civilians and children – have been killed since Hamas forces launched their now-infamous assault, reports say. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. An unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza. Read More: Hamas Attacks Deadliest Day For Jews Since The Holocaust, Biden Says

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say at least 1,537 people have been killed in Gaza as of Thursday evening due to Israel's air strikes – also including civilians and children. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from pro-Palestinian advocates.

Opinions about the hostilities remain divided in Essex County, with many people supporting Israel’s right to defend themselves from a “murderous terrorist organization,” others blasting officials for making “one-sided” statements and ignoring the suffering of Palestinians, and yet others pleading for peace between the two sides.

• Read More: Israel-Hamas: Essex County Divided As Death Toll Grows (UPDATED)
• Read More: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

Baraka’s full statement follows below.

“The escalation of violence and inhumanity in Gaza and Israel is something the world has not witnessed in a long time. Here in Newark, we are working hard to develop systems that eradicate violence, diminish retaliation, and treat trauma as public health. Our city prides itself on its diversity. We have Muslims and Christians alike. Jewish communities and Palestinian. Together, we worship here, do business here, and are proud to call it home.

“Newark stands with and prays for families on every side who have lost loved ones and are being traumatized daily by the horrific things the world is watching. And while people are being pulled apart around the globe, we want those who choose Newark as their home to continue to feel safe here — physically and emotionally. We want them to feel free to worship as they choose and be comfortable in who they are.

“We urge all those who love peace and justice to oppose attacks on innocent civilians as a way to solve conflict. We stand against the kidnapping and murder of unarmed civilians in Israel by Hamas and we reject the indiscriminate bombing of densely populated areas and the deliberate cutting off food, water and electricity to millions of residents — resulting in the deaths of innocent men, women and children.

“Furthermore, we condemn using this conflict as an opportunity to target the Jewish community and further escalate anti-Semitism, or using it to fan the flames of rising Islamophobia and blame Palestinians and all Muslims for the acts of a few extremists.

“All of this is wrong.

“We, who believe in democracy, and love humanity and freedom, know that what we are witnessing undermines any effort towards supporting those values.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.