Rockland County, NY – Battle Brewing Over Pro-Israel Resolution

Rockland County, NY – When the Rockland Legislature meets tomorrow, it is likely to consider a resolution calling for the government body to recognize Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. The measure has been proposed by Legislator Alden Wolfe, D-Suffern.

Hamas governs Gaza, where fighting began Dec. 27 after Israel launched an air attack and followed with a land invasion. A cease fire was agreed upon by the two sides Sunday. Israel said it attacked Gaza to get at Hamas terrorists, which have been firing rockets onto Israel. Hamas was democratically elected by the Palestinian people, but Israel, the U.S. and other nations consider it a terror organization.

Wolfe is among those strongly opposed to Hamas. He outlines his reasons in a proposed resolution that is 3-plus pages long.

But he’s meeting up with opposition from those who say the resolution is unfair and one-sided.

Alan Levin, of Nyack, has created an online petition so like-minded Rocklanders can voice their view on the resolution. He, and others, want the measure to be voted down or postponed until all the issues regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be discussed in a public forum.

Levin, who also wonders if it is county government’s role to pass a resolution regarding another nation’s foreign policy, has also written to the Legislature to express his views.

So far, Wolfe says he won’t hold a public meeting.

The Legislature meets at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Allison-Parris County Office Building, 11 New Hempstead Road in New City. The public can speak on the resolution. Sign up when you arrive for the meeting. Each person gets up to two minutes.