Rockland’s County Executive, the supervisors from Haverstraw and Ramapo, and the Governor of New York have condemned alleged anti-Semitic remarks made at the Haverstraw planning board Wednesday night. A man was at the podium discussing local zoning issues and complaining about what he called “a certain sect of people”…
A police officer then approached the podium and the man backed away. In response, Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht said the “heinous and hateful attack on the Jewish community” is “a painful reminder that antisemitism is regrettably alive and well.” Rockland County Executive Ed Day called the comments “beyond disgusting” and Governor Kathy Hochul said the remarks were “horrifying and unacceptable” adding that “Everyone has the right to walk down the street without fear.” Rich Levin of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Rockland County said the group appreciated the Haverstraw board members’ swift condemnation of the speaker’s inflammatory, hateful and violent remarks…
In a statement, Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips reportedly told the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council that the town is “determined to keep the man from attending future meetings based on his hate speech.” Rockland’s D.A. Tom Walsh said they’re working with the Haverstraw Police Department and will be contacting the New York State Attorney General’s office to determine whether any potential charges may be filed.