NEWBURGH (VINnews) — An antisemitic poster is being spread around Newburgh, accusing the town’s African-American mayor of “selling Newburgh to the Jews.”
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The poster shows a picture of Mayor Torrance Harvey having a meeting with Chasidic landlords last month. It says: “”This is a look inside how Newburgh’s mayor plans on selling Newburgh to the Jews, help them push blacks out, and in return they will help the mayor in his home town Poughkeepsie.”
Last month’s meeting was to discuss the landlords’ concerns and that of their tenants.
Harvey sharply condemned the message.
“I fought my entire life against racism and discrimination in any form against one group of people,” he said. “I fought my entire life against racism, discrimination and hate speech. There is no place for that in our political discourse in Newburgh, there is no place for that in our culture, there is no place for that in our political discourse in the United States of America.”
We are grateful to Mayor @TorranceHarvey for condemning these antisemitic fliers. There is #NoPlaceForHate in NY.https://t.co/JemXZ1UhJB
— ADL New York / New Jersey (@ADL_NYNJ) August 29, 2023
Harvey quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who had a dream that one day Jews and gentiles, blacks and whites, would join hands in the eyes of harmony and love.
In July, Harvey brought the landlords into his office to discuss their concerns about taxes and water bills, among other issues
“They had some questions and concerns about how the codes department has been really ramping it up and holding landlords and property owners accountable for sidewalks and/or any type of repairs that have to be done – they have to come in for a permit and things like that,” he said. “They realize the city isn’t lax on many of these things anymore.”
“The mayor was very courteous and understanding during the meeting, which was open, friendly and productive,” said Rabbi Jacob Ferencz, the meeting’s facilitator. “It was decided that the property owners association together with the City will set up a liaison to assist in expediting issues that might arise in the future. This setup would benefit both the City of Newburgh and the property owners who wish to enjoy a good relationship with City officials.”
I live in Newburgh and love it here. This is not indicative of most people who live here. It’s a disgusting flyer and everyone condemns it.
I guess these people haven’t seen Newburgh
why are they instigating non Jews?
The antisemitic republican white supremacist are a real threat to Judaism said no Democrat ever
I know Mayor Torrence Harvey. He is a total mensch, a thoughtful, educated man. A really good guy, as reflected in the Rabbis’ comments.
Mayor Harvey is up for re election this year. I just contributed to his campaign. Everyone else should do the same.