'Palestine Solidarity' Rally Scheduled For Teaneck

TEANECK, NJ — A "Palestine Solidarity" rally is scheduled in Teaneck just days after township officials postponed an Israeli flag-raising ceremony. The New Jersey chapter of American Muslims for Palestine announced the rally on Instagram, and it's joined by a weekend of rallies and protests across the state.

Some of Teaneck's Jewish community have expressed safety concerns as the rally, which will be held at the Teaneck Municipal Building, draws closer.

In a message from Congregation Arzei Darom, President Miles Levin said extra security would be present for the afternoon Shabbat programming, and "multiple layers of security" would be added to morning services.

"While rallies in Teaneck by our neighbors are historically peaceful, the risk of outside instigators stirring emotions and provoking an otherwise peaceful gathering should not be underestimated," Levin wrote.

The rally appears to have been granted a permit by local police, however, and township officials released a statement Friday explaining the process for which that's generally achieved. (Read the full statement below.)

Though protests and rallies are happening across the state, tensions were particularly high in Teaneck after the township scheduled an Israeli flag-raising ceremony, drawing criticism from some residents.

Both the flag-raising ceremony and a counterprotest were scheduled for Sunday, but after the flag-raising was canceled, protesters did the same. Read more: Teaneck Postpones Israeli Flag-Raising Ceremony

Still, the postponement of the ceremony did little to appeal to those who found the raising of the Israeli flag crass.

The flag raising ceremony, originally scheduled for Sunday, came after the township council passed a resolution authorizing the display of the flag on April 27. That resolution states that the flag will be raised in the face of a rise in "acts of hatred and violence against members of the Jewish community."

But officials passed the resolution before violence began between Israeli forces and Hamas, leaving hundreds dead over 11 days of fighting, many of them Palestinians living in Gaza. According to Reuters, the death toll in Gaza rose to 248 on Friday, including 66 children. Israeli military officials told the publication that one soldier and 12 civilians had been killed, two of them children.

A ceasefire began on Friday.

In a statement, Mayor James Dunleavy said "the Township is aware of current events in the Middle East, which make the original positive messaging and a celebratory event to show support difficult at this time."

Officials have pointed to a piece of the resolution that pledges to honor the township's Jewish community as they face a rise in antisemitic hate crimes. Residents asked why another nation's flag needed to be raised in order to do that.

To that point, the resolution also indicates that the flag would have been raised, at least in part, to celebrate "Israel Independence Day".

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that by the Township Council of the Township of Teaneck, that, in addition to the Flag of the United States and such other flags as may be authorized by resolution or ordinance of the Township Council, Flag of the State of Israel may be displayed upon the flagpoles owned by the Township of Teaneck at Votee Park as a form of government expression during the month of May 2021 in honor Israel Independence Day."

Statement on special event permits

The Township of Teaneck prides itself on its diversity and the ability of all voices to be heard. In that regard, and in consultation with the Township Attorney, the Chief of Police reviews every permit application for compliance with the Township Code. By way of information, pursuant to Township of Teaneck Code Section 31B, any “organized group having a common purpose or goal” must submit a “Special Event” permit application.

A “Special Event” permit application is submitted, in writing, to the Chief of Police and must include:

1. The name, address and telephone number of the person requesting the permit.
2. The name and address of the organization or group he or she is representing.
3. The name, address and telephone number of the person or persons who will act as chairman of the special event and be responsible for the conduct thereof.
4. The number of monitors to be provided and the identifying marks, badges or symbols to be worn or used by the monitors.
5. The purpose of the event, the estimated number of persons to participate and otherwise attend and the number and types of vehicles (if any) to participate.
6. The method of notifying participants of the terms and conditions of the special event.
7. The date the event is to be conducted and the hours it will commence and terminate.
8. The specific assembly and dispersal locations, the specific route and the plans, if any, for assembly and dispersal.
9. Whether any music will be provided, either live or recorded.
10. The number, types and locations of all loudspeakers and amplifying devices to be used.
11. Such other information as the police chief may deem necessary in order to properly provide for traffic control, street and property maintenance and the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.

Pursuant to the Township Code, unless the Chief of Police finds that the special event is being held for an unlawful purpose, will create a breach of the peace, or unnecessarily interfere with the public use of the streets and sidewalks the permit must be issued. The Chief’s recommendation is reviewed by the Township Manger who makes the final determination on the Permit.

Additionally, the ability of the Township to restrict a permit for a lawful gathering is substantially limited by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. While the Township can impose reasonable time, place and manner rules, it cannot limit the content of the speech. A permit cannot be denied simply because the event is controversial or that it will express unpopular views.

Understanding all of the above, the Township will continue to lawfully issue permits unless the Chief of Police and Manager determine the “Special Event” will violate the parameters set forth in the Township Code. Although there may be apprehension and even fear regarding certain “Special Events,” rest assured that the Township has sufficient resources in place to protect the residents and businesses of Teaneck from any criminal behavior. The Teaneck Police Department will continue to maintain an appropriate presence at every “Special Event” and ensure the safety and security of all.

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