Editor’s note: After the events discussed below, emails were sent to the memberships of Congregations AABJ&D and Ohr Torah. Their combined message is reprinted with permission.

The Navi states “For the sake of Zion I will not be silent.” Today, thousands of years after that statement was made, we are obligated, each of us, to have our voices heard on a local township level.

Last night (March 21, 2023) at the West Orange Town Council meeting, during the public comment period, a number of people spoke up against the planned Israeli flag raising ceremony that is to take place on Yom Haatzmaut. They accused Israel of being an apartheid state and spewed hatred on behalf of the BDS movement. Supposedly, these individuals, with one exception, were from other towns.

It is incumbent upon us as Jews and lovers of Israel to contact each of the members of our town council to thank them for moving forward with the flag raising ceremony, and reiterate to them our love and support of Israel.

We would like to encourage all members of the West Orange community to come together in a show of support for Israel and our Jewish community. Please take a moment out of your day to send a positive Israel message to our town council members so that they know just how important Israel is to our community.

We will also work together to make sure our voice is heard on local political matters.