Edison Residents In Israel Waiting To Come Home, Mayor Says

EDISON, NJ — In a message to the community, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi “strongly condemned” the terror attacks against Israel and said his office was working to bring back residents stuck in the region.

According to Joshi, several Edison residents and businessmen are currently in Israel waiting to return home.

“I strongly condemn the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Israel over the weekend, and extend my sincerest condolences for all the innocent lives lost and families impacted by these horrific acts,” Joshi said in a statement.

Last Saturday, militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Around 1,200 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds have been kidnapped off the streets, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The number of dead in Gaza and the West Bank are 919, according to the health ministries in the two areas.

President Joe Biden said 14 Americans have been killed and many are among those taken captive by Hamas.

Edison residents are among those waiting to return home, Joshi said.

“I was made aware that a number of Edison residents and business owners are currently in Israel trying to return to the United States. And my office will do everything we can to assist these families, including speaking and coordinating with federally elected officials, as well as the consulate office, Joshi said.

The mayor did not specify how many residents are currently in the region.

New Jersey has seen no credible threats of attacks inspired by the ongoing violence, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said last weekend. Nonetheless, law enforcement around the state increased patrols in sensitive areas — Jewish and Muslim houses of worship in particular — he said.

Despite no known local threats, Joshi has ordered law enforcement to step up security at places of worship.

“I directed the Edison police department to deploy additional resources to designated areas and houses of worship across our town to ensure that everyone in our community remains safe.”

On Tuesday evening, Joshi was joined by Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M Busch for a vigil at the Jewish Community Center on Oak Tree Road to show “unwavering support and solidarity” with the people of Israel.

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