Gottheimer Encourages People To Reduce Anti-Semitism In NJ

PARAMUS, NJ — Rep. Josh Gottheimer is encouraging constituents to combat anti-Semitism in North Jersey.

The Anti-Defamation League ranked New Jersey third in the United States in anti-Semitic incidents in 2018, Gottheimer's office said.

"The increase in anti-Semitism incidents here at home also mimics an alarming, larger worldwide trend," Gottheimer said. "To put it lightly, I think it's fair to say that we are living in tumultuous times. Anti-Semitism is on the rise here at home and around the world."

Gottheimer, a Wyckoff Democrat, spoke at the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey about a two-state solution to oppose the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement targeting Israel.

Several anti-Semitic incidents have been reported in Bergen County within the past year.

Swastikas were found at Glen Rock schools recently. One was found May 28 in a bathroom shared between the high school and middle school. Another was found etched into a classroom wall June 6.

Anti-Semitic and racist graffiti was found in a classroom at Emerson Junior-Senior High School, NJ.com reported.

A swastika was found in a stall in a girls' bathroom at Ridgewood High School late last year. Swastikas and a racial slur were etched into the partition walls in a bathroom at Pascack Valley High School.

In related news, an anti-Semitic flyer was posted on the Hillsborough Township municipal building last week.

Related:

• Swastika Found In Glen Rock School Bathroom: Police
• Another Swastika Found At Glen Rock High School
• Glen Rock Officials Condemn Swastika Written At School
• ADL Works With Ridgewood Officials After Swastika Found
• Political Officials Condemn Anti-Semitic Flyer In Hillsborough

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com