Dear friends,
I watched the recent New Paltz Town Board meeting on 10/9 where the discussion focused on a recent act of vile racism directed at Town Board member Esi Lewis and her daughter. All of the remarks and comments were heart-felt and upsetting. The question of racism in New Paltz was explored and discussed. However, the racism on display every Saturday in New Paltz was not mentioned. I sent the letter below to the Town Board and Hudson Valley One for publication. I hope it generates some discussion.
Peace,
Eli
To the editor:
As the result of a disgusting and disturbing racist incident in New Paltz, the Town Board is addressing racism in our own hometown. I join with the community in condemning this despicable and cowardly act of hatred. Perhaps, the Board needs to also consider the racism on display every Saturday in New Paltz where demonstrators carry Israeli/Zionist flags and spew vile and violent language and messages. At its core Zionism is racist. Zionists (mostly white Europeans) support the murder and forced removal of indigenous, dark skinned Palestinians. Since 1948 millions of Palestinians have been murdered, expelled, or forced into refugee camps like Gaza. The Zionist, apartheid, ethno-supremacist State of Israel’s ongoing genocide, land theft, and ethnic cleansing of indigenous Palestinians is racist. In addition to the flag waving and unbridled support for the murderous State of Israel, frequent expressions of violence, sexism, and trans-phobia are hurled at passing cars and pedestrians. Perhaps, the Town Board should consider a statement condemning this blatant weekly display of racism here in New Paltz?
I watched the recent New Paltz Town Board meeting on 10/9 where the discussion focused on a recent act of vile racism directed at Town Board member Esi Lewis and her daughter. All of the remarks and comments were heart-felt and upsetting. The question of racism in New Paltz was explored and discussed. However, the racism on display every Saturday in New Paltz was not mentioned. I sent the letter below to the Town Board and Hudson Valley One for publication. I hope it generates some discussion.
Peace,
Eli
To the editor:
As the result of a disgusting and disturbing racist incident in New Paltz, the Town Board is addressing racism in our own hometown. I join with the community in condemning this despicable and cowardly act of hatred. Perhaps, the Board needs to also consider the racism on display every Saturday in New Paltz where demonstrators carry Israeli/Zionist flags and spew vile and violent language and messages. At its core Zionism is racist. Zionists (mostly white Europeans) support the murder and forced removal of indigenous, dark skinned Palestinians. Since 1948 millions of Palestinians have been murdered, expelled, or forced into refugee camps like Gaza. The Zionist, apartheid, ethno-supremacist State of Israel’s ongoing genocide, land theft, and ethnic cleansing of indigenous Palestinians is racist. In addition to the flag waving and unbridled support for the murderous State of Israel, frequent expressions of violence, sexism, and trans-phobia are hurled at passing cars and pedestrians. Perhaps, the Town Board should consider a statement condemning this blatant weekly display of racism here in New Paltz?