The Facebook page of the Republican Party in Rockland County caught the attention of New York’s top prosecutor with a video message against a multi-family development that has been deemed as anti-Semitic by members of the Jewish community and others.
The video, which has since been removed from the Rockland County Republican Party Facebook page, featured graphics and ominous music, warning “A storm is brewing — overdevelopment.”
The video appeared to point the finger at the county’s Hasidic Jewish community without actually naming it.
State Attorney General Letitia James condemned the video, calling it “despicable” and “deeply disturbing.” She demanded it be removed.
WATCH: a shocking & brazen display of antisemitism!
The Republican Party of Rockland Cty has the audacity to put out this vile trash that amounts to “the Jews are taking over” with “Jewish money and power”!
I expect Dems but more so Republicans to denounce this in full force! pic.twitter.com/5QrZ6uakZK
— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) August 28, 2019
The video accused county Legislator Aaron Weider, who is Hasidic, and his “Ramapo bloc” of plotting a takeover.
Recently, tensions flared over a proposed Hasidic enclave on 27-acres of land on the Clarkstown-Spring Valley border.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day determined the content was factual, but the tone and undercurrent were unacceptable. He requested that his party remove the video.
The anti-Semitic video from the Rockland County GOP is deeply disturbing. They must remove & condemn it. Saying that members of the Jewish community are a threat to families, our safety & that they must be stopped is despicable.
We must all stand together to denounce this hate.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 29, 2019
NY Governor Cuomo released the following statement on Thursday morning:
“This video is the latest example of the politics of division and hate permeating the nation and it must be called out. Every single member of New York’s GOP must openly denounce this hateful rhetoric immediately and make clear that we will not tolerate this despicable behavior.”
“The video created and shared on social media by the Rockland County Republican Committee is not just disturbing, it is disgusting. This type of attack and incitement against the Hasidic community is the very definition of discrimination and anti-Semitism. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
“There is no excuse for anti-Semitism masquerading as concerns over zoning or development. While this video has since been removed, its impact will still be felt by the members of the Jewish community targeted by their own neighbors. This video is the latest example of the politics of division and hate permeating the nation and it must be called out. Every single member of New York’s GOP must openly denounce this hateful rhetoric immediately and make clear that we will not tolerate this despicable behavior.
“In New York, we must continue to stand united and not let this hatred and rancor poison our nation.”
Statement from Rockland County Executive Ed Day:
“The video posted by the Rockland County Republican Party to their Facebook page has set a troubling tone for a necessary conversation about over-development in our county. While the content of the video is factual, the tone and undercurrent is unacceptable. Having listened closely to the concerns raised by residents and community leaders, I have contacted GOP Chairman Lawrence Garvey to request its removal and he assured me that he will. As I have demonstrated, I have a great deal of respect for our Jewish neighbors and want them to know that as their County Executive I will always stand up against hatred. That said, the concerns raised about over-development are accurate, well-grounded and desperately need to be addressed, but this must be done in a way free of rhetoric and rancor.“
Statement from Rockland County GOP Chairman, Lawrence A. Garvey:
Claiming antisemitism is easy. Ignoring a serious problem in Rockland is not. While I appreciate the Attorney General’s concern over a video, I hope she will take a closer look at the real problem of over-development and corruption that is plaguing our county. For those not living in Rockland, it is harder to see a real and unique problem that exists here. They do not live with the burden that comes with over-development and the risk it is to our first responders. This is not and has never been a religious issue. This is also not a Republican or Democrat issue. It is a matter of right and wrong. It is about the greed of a handful of elected officials who wish to yield their power over an entire county. Much like with the situation facing the East Ramapo School District, if the facts are not brought to the forefront nothing gets done and our residents and children suffer.
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5 Responses
“They do not live with the burden that comes with over-development and the risk it is to our first responders.”
“Much like with the situation facing the East Ramapo School District, if the facts are not brought to the forefront nothing gets done and our residents and children suffer.“
Frum jews use neither of those services as opposed to others (Hatzalah and private schools instead, granted could use the fire and police department)
To tell you the truth, I didn’t see anything antisemitic in that video. They are just in fear over “over-development” and traffic etc. and the people that have been doing all that over the years.
Don’t get me wrong. I live in Monsey myself and I do see plenty of hate, and I wish Day loses. But that doesn’t mean we should start using false labels. It’s in style in the democratic party, and I don’t intend to join.
Must be fake news, no? Republicans, anti Semitic?! Well, there is trump, Steve King, David Duke etc
whats really the issue ?? aside from the anti semitism fine so they dont like us .
over development true but , do u really care if some family live like sardines , ten blocks away from you.
as far as home value – i dont think your homes have depreciated since the chassidim came .
” oh the first responders? first responders are well trained and the chance of a increased risk because of the density is a stretch … so they let the building burn
many of those neighbors wouldnt lose much sleep if a few jews burned
the good news we are not taking over, some gentrification yes but not the locust you describe i visited kiryas joel this week from a 1/4 mile outside the town you wouldnt even know the place exists
let everyone live & be well
No political party should ever receive the undying faith of Jews (or anybody else). Each party, and each candidate, must be carefully evaluated based on her/his statements and past conduct. Today it was Republicans who let the anti-Semites among them speak for them. In the future it will be other parties – Democratic, Peace and Freedom, Frog and Peach, and all the others. Anyone who says Jews must always support Republicans clearly does not understand politics.