Earlier this month the flag of Hamas, designated as a foreign terrorist organization since 1997, was again flying and paraded around Teaneck. I can share the video they themselves posted to document the incident. As an American and your neighbor, I challenge everyone, elected officials, fellow residents and local champions of peace, to denounce and reject the group, their supporters and those who welcome them into our community. There is no “diversity of opinion” or acceptable reasoning. The slogan is not hate has no home here, except for Hamas.
Challenge leadership. Demand from elected officials and candidates seeking to represent us if/why they don’t support sensible legislation. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, and related legislation, has been adopted by over 45 countries, 35 states and almost 100 city and county governments. It doesn’t infringe on first amendment rights nor make any language or activities illegal. It provides a legal tool, an analytical test, to identify hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric in a systematic manner. Don’t want to be labeled a bigot and antisemite? Then don’t say the words or express the sentiments.
In Teaneck no speech is being limited. The community also doesn’t have to roll out the welcome mat or tolerate any group coming down the street at 9 p.m. with a bullhorn and drums to intimidate and make residents feel uncomfortable in what should be the safety of their own home. Teaneck has a rich history of doing what’s right and leading by example, even in the face of criticism. I hope rational tolerance and responsive leadership prevail.
