Statement from Keith Kaplan: Silence is not an option — It wasn’t the flag

We are living in dangerous times.  Attacks are happening around our Country.

It is repugnant to find out that such HATE is now home here in Teaneck!

Now, there’s also a claim that the raising of the flag is what brings antisemitism into acceptability?

No.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc is a logical fallacy.

Teaneck Township, like many around us, wanted to recognize the anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.  We also wanted to show support amid rising acts of hatred against Jews.  We prepared a resolution citing the positive reasons for both and postponed the event amid criticism that the positive messaging would have been lost.

But the flag-raising event does not change the facts.  Jews are being attacked as Israel is being demonized.

There’s a difference between criticism and demonization.

They didn’t attack these Jews eating dinner because they thought they may have something to do with Israeli policy.

They didn’t attack these Jews in NYC’s Diamond District because they thought they may have something to do with Israeli policy

These Jews were attacked because they are JEWS.

Blaming antisemitic attacks on current events is not a new phenomenon.  The world has found a way to blame Jews for the violence perpetrated against us for a long time. Once it was the death of Christ.  Once it was… Once it was…

Now, it’s the actions of Israel and perhaps a commemorative flag-raising that allegedly provoked this bloodshed and violence visited upon us in restaurants or while walking about?

Violence is not acceptable.  Criticism of the foreign policy of a foreign nation is not an excuse for attacking people that are Jewish.  Not here, not there, not anywhere.

This weekend, a rally by those that equate Israel with those perpetuating an actual genocide will take place here.  It’s repugnant.  It’s incumbent on ALL OF US to ensure that the voices claiming these lies, do not get a foothold in our society.

May we all fight this dangerous rhetoric.  May we fully understand what harm will result if it’s allowed to fester un-countered.