Clifton City Hall raises the Israeli flag

When Jews follow the media, they may feel that Israel has no friends anymore. Yet on May 19, at the annual Israeli flag raising at Clifton City Hall, New Jersey, in commemoration of Israel’s Independence Day, many politicians came to express their steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish community.

The high turnout of elected officials surprised many participants, especially since Clifton is also home to a large Palestinian American community. “I was flattered and surprised to see that so many elected officials were not afraid to come out and support Israel,” said Sara Rosenblum, a Clifton resident. “Sometimes we forget how many friends we have Doing yet.”

Elected officials who came to show their support included Senator John McKeon; Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie; Assemblyman Gary Schaer; Passaic Mayor Hector Lora; Clifton Mayor Ray Grabowski, County Executive Nancy Everett, Representative, Office of Representative Bill Pascrell; Thomas Adamo, chief of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department; former councilman and Republican candidate for governor Jack Ciatarelli; as well as numerous members of the city council and board of education.

Before a crowd of hundreds, Lora spoke about Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas as they wish. “The arsonist may not criticize or complain about the measures or means taken to extinguish the fire.”

Bagolie spoke about her own grandparent’s flight from anti-Semitism to the Dominican Republic and her disgust and fear at the rise of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. She called on lawmakers to support the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism before the NJ State Assembly.

Clifton City Councilman Tony Latona, who served in the U.S. Army in Israel, said, “This is not about the Palestinian or Israeli land conflict. This is about the world coming together in solidarity to eradicate terrorism.”

As the Israeli flag flew proudly next to the American flag outside City Hall for a week, the Jewish community was able to remember once again that they are not alone.

Aliza Bloom lives in Clifton and teaches reading at Clifton Cheder. She is also a member of the Jewish Community Council.