Statement by Chairman Wolfe on Offensive Sheriff Campaign Video

New City, NY (June 10, 2015) – Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature Alden H. Wolfe issued the following statement concerning the inappropriate and offensive sheriff campaign video, posted online by the Rockland County Republican Party, that portrays Rockland’s Jewish Community as responsible for substandard and illegal housing issues within the county:

“Sadly, the growing trend of using fear, hatred and divisiveness for political gain continues unabated by the Republican Party in Rockland County. I join the Anti-Defamation League in denouncing these types of tactics that unfairly target the Orthodox Jewish community. I’m personally offended by the video and the “boogeyman” campaigns of lies and misinformation. I call upon the Republican Party leadership and elected officials to join me in denouncing this video. If our County Executive and others are genuinely interested in healing the deep rifts in our community and building bridges, then now is the time for them to speak. Unfortunately, the silence is deafening. These kind of attacks show the wrong kind of leadership for Rockland. While illegal housing is a serious issue, we need leaders who can contribute ideas, not stir up hatred.”

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, earlier said that, “We find the use of an image of visibly identifiable Jews in this campaign video to be deeply troubling, highly offensive, and inappropriate, as it essentially blames the Orthodox Jewish community for the substandard and illegal housing problems in Rockland. Voters should be encouraged to make decisions about candidates based upon their qualifications, political positions and not on the basis of race or religion without offensive insertions ascribing blame on an issue to a particular religious group.”

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