JERSEY CITY, NJ — Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, is under fire after his administration attempted to suppress media coverage of a publicly promoted Israel flag-raising ceremony at Jersey City Hall on April 30th.
Supporting Jews is a dangerous move for New Jersey Democrats running for office, and Fulop knows it. Now, he has to answer to the anti-Semitic far-left pro-Palestine voters in New Jersey.
The event, celebrating 77 years of Israel’s independence, was organized by the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs and widely advertised on municipal websites and social media, encouraging public attendance.
However, journalists faced severe restrictions, including bans on recording, photographing, and posting about the event, raising concerns about transparency from a mayor who has campaigned on open government.
Photojournalist Andres Kudacki, covering the event for The Jersey Vindicator, was met with resistance upon arrival.
Fulop’s press secretary, Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, claimed the ceremony was “invite-only” and that Kudacki’s outlet had not confirmed attendance, despite the event’s public promotion.
Wallace-Scalcione demanded Kudacki verbally agree not to record or post about the event on social media, calling it a “legally binding agreement in the state of New Jersey.” Kudacki refused, asserting his outlet’s editorial rights.
Further escalating tensions, Kudacki was barred from photographing police officers in the City Hall foyer. When he took a photo, Wallace-Scalcione warned, “You will not get to enter again.” A reporter from Slice of Culture faced similar restrictions, including a ban on recording and exclusion from the balcony during the flag-raising. Meanwhile, attendees were observed recording the event on personal devices, highlighting inconsistent enforcement.
The ceremony, held in the City Hall council chambers, featured Fulop presenting certificates to sponsors like the Israeli American Council, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Jersey City Jewish Association. Fulop left before the balcony flag-raising, where Palestinian flag-waving protesters gathered outside, drawing additional attention to the event’s contentious atmosphere.
Fulop’s actions have drawn sharp criticism, particularly given his campaign’s emphasis on transparency.
In June 2024, he released a policy paper defending the Open Public Records Act and criticizing efforts to weaken it.
Open government advocates now question whether his rhetoric matches his actions.
The incident has sparked broader concerns about press freedom in Jersey City, with critics pointing to Fulop’s gubernatorial ambitions as a possible motive for suppressing coverage of a potentially divisive event. N
New Jersey’s far-left media should be cautious about propping this guy up for the governor’s office in November.