JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Prior to the October terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, New Jersey Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, of Jackson Township opposed the notion of appointing religious Jews to his town’s local zoning boards.
In a political caucus meeting among Republicans held in Jackson last year, Sauickie accused local public officials of ‘capitulating to the Jewish population’.
At the time, the Jackson Township was facing two federal civil rights lawsuits and a lawsuit by the Office of the Attorney General in New Jersey alleging the town was engaging in activities intended to deter Orthodox Jewish residents from moving to the community.
Sauickie served as an elected councilman during that period. He later resigned to accept the New Jersey assembly seat held by Ron Dancer after the longtime leader’s passing.
This week, Sauickie used the Israel-Hamas conflict to launch political attacks against New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and President Joe Biden. Sauickie slammed Murphy and Biden for inaction on assisting New Jerseyans escape the warzone.
In fact, Governor Phil Murphy, to his credit has played an active role in making sure his administration helps residents get their loved ones home safely. He just hasn’t publicized his efforts. Numerous Jewish families have thanked Murphy and his administration for helping them, in so many words, jump the line with State Department officials.
Many have been returned home in recent days thanks to efforts by Murphy, the State Department and private charities.
Residents in Sauickie’s hometown of Jackson and neighboring Lakewood said Governor Murphy has been in contact with them, sometimes personally, since the terror attack last weekend. One resident told Shore News Network that while in Japan, Murphy has been in contact with families seeking to help loved ones leave Israel.
“More than 250 New Jersey shore residents among 20,000 U.S. citizens find themselves stranded in Israel after terrorist organization Hamas’ coordinated, sneak attacks Oct. 7. With most major airlines suspending flights in and out of the country through at least the end of October, many countries have resorted to military airlifts or chartered flights to rescue citizens,” Sauickie said.
“Words without action are meaningless. I’m disturbed that Governor Murphy and President Biden aren’t acting more quickly to get our residents to safety,” Sauickie added. “We used to be the world leader, but under these Democrat administrations, we have turned into the world laggard.”
New Jersey Republican Assemblyman Robert Singer, who represents Lakewood also credited Murphy for his efforts.
“It’s beyond his control, it’s a federal issue, but the governor has always been a supporter of Israel and has always been there for the community,” Singer said.
Singer said local Congressman Chris Smith has led the charge in New Jersey to provide assistance in getting all Americans, not just New Jerseyans home safely.
Smith has been instrumental in being a liason between Ocean County’s large Jewish population and the federal government during the crisis.
