Forum addresses antisemitism, Israel and local politics.
This past Sunday, the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee (BCJAC) hosted New Jersey Democratic Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and New York Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) in Teaneck for a meet-and-greet event to discuss issues related to the upcoming campaign for governor of New Jersey, as well as the rise of antisemitism, support for Israel, and the current state of the Democratic Party. The event was moderated by Ma’ayanot High School senior Nesya Bayewitz and the congressmen were introduced by Teaneck Mayor and Jewish Link Co-Publisher Mark (Mendy) Schwartz. In his introductions, Schwartz referred to both of them as future governors of their respective states.
Torres opened by emphasizing his close relationship with Congressman Gottheimer, saying, “It’s an honor to be here with someone I consider not only a colleague but truly my brother in the fight in Congress throughout the country.” He also expressed his support for Gottheimer’s gubernatorial aspirations, stating, “If you elect an unapologetic defender of both the Jewish people and the Jewish state as governor of New Jersey, that will send a powerful message about the future of Democratic politics in America.”
Bayewitz also asked Gottheimer why he wanted to become governor when he was already doing so much in the House of Representatives. He responded by explaining that becoming governor will give him a “critically significant platform nationally to stand up for the issues I care about,” and the ability to address major issues in New Jersey. He mentioned the need for someone “willing to stand up with a record of our community” and be a “strong voice” regarding what goes on in the state. He further stated that New Jersey has “major issues that we have to address” and he feels “we need someone willing to stand up with a record of our community… and be a strong voice.” He emphasized the importance of being unafraid and a strong force in addressing these issues.
Addressing the surge in antisemitism, Gottheimer highlighted the alarming situation in New Jersey despite its large Jewish population. “It’s shocking to me that despite such a thriving community, what we’re facing as a community… what we saw going on at Rutgers, and unfortunately, in many of our universities.” He pledged to work closely with the attorney general to combat antisemitism on college campuses and in communities, saying, “As your governor, that’s exactly what I’m going to do, with zero tolerance for it.”
Both congressmen discussed the importance of the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Torres explained, “Anti-Zionism has become the latest mutation in the DNA of antisemitism… If you’re substituting the word Zionist for Jew, but you’re nonetheless harassing Jews simply for expressing a connection to their ancestral homeland, that is a violation of Title VI.” Gottheimer added that similar legislation in New Jersey has faced delays, which he criticized. “They’re cowards, in my opinion. And as your governor, I will not be a coward. I will stand up and fight against them and pass this legislation.”
Torres shared his deep connection to Israel, noting, “When people ask me, ‘Why do you speak out so forcefully and frequently against antisemitism?’ I reverse the question. The question is not why have I chosen to speak out. The question is why have others chosen to be silent.” He also emphasized the unique security challenges Israel faces, urging people to “go there and see the facts on the ground with your own eyes.”
Regarding the release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity, Gottheimer shared, “It’s an incredible miracle… thank God, he’s in good shape.” He stressed the ongoing effort to secure the release of other hostages, noting, “We have to keep going until everyone is home.” Both congressmen acknowledged the difficult negotiations with terrorists. Torres added, “There’s no higher priority than bringing the hostages home.”
On the direction of his party, Torres expressed concern that “the far left in our party has outsized power over the messaging and policymaking of the Democratic Party,” which he believes is “causing us to fall out of touch with the working class.” Gottheimer echoed this, stating, “[When] our party actually starts being clear about speaking to them about those issues… then everything else becomes secondary to that.” He urged voters to participate in the June 10 election, emphasizing, “Turnout is everything.”
