Palestinian Councilman, Working For Jewish NJ Mayor, Speaks At Columbia University

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Two weeks after the deadly attacks in Gaza, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Councilman Yusef Saleh have issued statements saying they'll continue making sure religious ceremonies and houses of worship are protected.

Fulop is the grandson of Holocaust survivors. Saleh is Palestinian. Their relationship was a topic of discussion when Saleh was invited to speak to Columbia University students in New York City this week, Saleh said.

"I had the privilege of being invited and attending an interfaith meeting and healing organized by @columbia University’s Theological Seminary," Saleh posted on Instagram on Tuesday. "I discussed what it was like being a Palestinian American and being born and raised in @jerseycitynj where I have the privilege to serve my community as a Councilman alongside Mayor @stevenfulopjc, the grandson of Holocaust survivors. I spoke about the beauty of Jersey
City and envisioning a world of what it can and should be, versus what it is right now. I spoke about most of my family in Palestine, their lives under occupation."

He added, "I led a prayer for a ceasefire and return of all the hostages, an end to the occupation, and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. Thank you for allowing me to speak."

Earlier that week, Fulop had posted, "Quick update: Both Yousef J. Saleh + I have stayed in touch w/both Muslim and Jewish leaders throughout Jersey City making sure we have adequate police presence at all events for safety. We're continuing to cover services at both synagogues + mosques and we are also covering both Muslim + Jewish schools + special events for the forseeable future."

See the posts here.