'Antisemitism Will Not Be Tolerated In Our Town': Bridgewater Mayor

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Police have increased their enforcement at all religious institutions in Bridgewater and township officials are condemning the Israel-Hamas war.

"Antisemitism will not be tolerated in our town. Bridgewater is home to a beautiful tapestry of ethnicities and religions that have woven themselves into a community fabric that consistently exhibits strength, love, and compassion," said Mayor Matthew Moench in a letter to the community on Wednesday.

In order to keep the community safe, Moench said the Bridgewater Police Department has increased its protection of our religious institutions, including but not limited to our Jewish organizations.

Additionally, the township is looking to revitalize its efforts with local interfaith leaders to further bring a sense of community to everyone who lives or worships in Bridgewater. This will be accomplished with the implementation of the Community Policing Unit expected next year.

The unit is part of the BridgewaterShield program led by Police Chief John Mitzak.

Moench along with Council President Michael Kirsh also attended the Community-Wide Israel Solidarity Event at Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough.

"We listened to the heartache, anger, and fear from our Jewish residents over what is occurring in Israel, and we heard messages of hope and determination from secular and religious leaders," said Moench.

In Bridgewater, Kirsh, Council Vice-President Timothy Ring, and Moench also met with several Jewish leaders in the community to listen to their concerns about the ongoing issues in Israel and how they spill over to Bridgewater neighborhoods and affect the community.

More than 1,400 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched their now-infamous coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 200 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages. Read More: Hamas Attacks Deadliest Day For Jews Since The Holocaust, Biden Says

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say thousands of people have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes – also including civilians and children. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates, some of whom have called Israel’s order for Palestinians to evacuate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip an “impossible” task.

"I, on behalf of our community, want to assure our Jewish residents that: We stand with you and against the evils propagated by Hamas and other anti-Jewish terrorist groups, always and unequivocally," said Moench.

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