JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The township of Jackson, which is under federal investigation by the Department of Justice for civil rights violations against Orthodox Jews in its borders this week condemned the physical attacks against several members of the Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood and Jackson last week.
In a press release published by the township’s new public relations firm, Steve Dnistrian published comments from township officials regarding the attack.
“Hate has no home in our community – not today, not ever,” said Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina. “Hate will not be tolerated here under any circumstance. And when violent crimes are committed against any resident or members of specific ethnic or religious groups, those who commit such crimes will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are shocked and saddened by the attacks that have impacted innocent members of the Orthodox and Jewish communities. Jackson is a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community. In good times and in bad, we will stand by our neighbors and we will work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of our fellow citizens.”
On top of the federal investigation, Reina and the town are also being investigated by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General for religious bias and discrimination by town officials. That case alleges township officials created ordinances and laws targeting the Orthodox Jewish Community.
Reina, who used to tell residents, “Stay strong, Don’t Sell” their homes to Orthodox Jewish families and real estate operators is now urging community togetherness.
Jackson Township Council President Martin Flemming, considered a frontrunner to succeed Reina as Mayor in November, said, “When it comes to hate and violent crimes, let me be perfectly clear: Attacks like those that occurred last Friday are attacks on all of us. As friends, neighbors and elected officials, we will not tolerate such acts. We stand united with members of the Orthodox and Jewish communities. And we offer our support and prayers for the health and healing of the victims of these senseless crimes.”
At a press conference in Lakewood, Reina stood in solidarity with Avi Schnall, head of the New Jersey chapter of Agudath Israel of America. Led by Schnall, AIoI also has an ongoing federal civil rights discrimination case against the township and Reina.