Bhalla, Menendez, And Jasey Speak Out On Ceasefire In Gaza
NORTH JERSEY — Hoboken's nine council members released a statement in March saying they would not, well, release a statement on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, in which more than 30,000 civilians have died.But Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and local candidates in the 8th District Congress race have been unable to duck questions, and this recently brought some heat on Bhalla.Earlier this month, a Muslim group said in a flyer promoting a Jersey City event that the mayor: "Supports Ceasefire in Gaza" and "Supports Students Right to Protest." The flyer said not to support incumbent Rob Menendez Jr., whom they said was endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and is against a ceasefire.International publications, including an Israeli publication, covered the Muslim group's flyer.Bhalla spokesperson Rob Horowitz said this week, in response, "Ravi Bhalla engages with all communities in the diverse 8th Congressional District. That certainly includes the Muslim community, which is an integral and vital part of the fabric of the region. He communicated his same consistent position on Israel/Gaza at this afternoon’s event as he has communicated in media appearances and to interested parties no matter their point of view."He said, "Ravi Bhalla supports Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its national security. This imperative is underscored by the horrific Oct. 7th terrorist attack, which Ravi spoke out about at the time and continues to decry. At the same time, he believes Israel must do a much better job of limiting the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He backs a negotiated cease fire with the return of all the hostages and believes all efforts must continue to be made by the United States to bring that result about. He supports a two-state solution as still the only viable long-term path to peace. In terms of campus protests, he supports free speech, but not violence, destruction of property nor harassment of Jewish students. And he is a vocal opponent of Antisemitism, Islamophobia or any other form of bigotry and racism."Bhalla had recently posted photos of himself celebrating Israeli Independence Day with local school children. Then, he removed the photos from social media, leading to questions.Horowitz said that the photos were removed at the request of the school, because of high tensions around the conflict.Meanwhile, Menendez responded, "Ravi Bhalla’s position on the war in Gaza changes by the day depending on who he’s talking to and what he thinks they want to hear. I have been consistent on this issue."The news out of Israel and Gaza continues to be heartbreaking, and I am deeply concerned by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. There is an urgent need for all parties to create space for negotiations towards a long-term end to the violence. Such a solution must include a pause in the violence, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, significant aid to safely reach innocent civilians in Gaza, and a pathway towards a secure Israel and a free and safe Palestinian state that is resilient and sustainable. "Achieving this outcome will be challenging, and all parties will have to commit to dialogue, compromise, and accountability. But we should all be able to agree that the pain and trauma that far too many have experienced on a daily basis should not be the reality for a day longer. The United States must work with all stakeholders to facilitate meaningful negotiations so we can build towards a future in which Israelis and Palestinians live side-by-side in peace."The third candidate for the Democratic nomination, Kyle Jasey, said, "Personally, I am pro ceasefire and think the focus should be on preservation of innocent Palestinian life and the recovery of the Israeli hostages. I support a two state solution and believe that people should have the right to peacefully assemble in protest." Voting Begins WednesdayEarly voting began Wednesday, May 29 in the Democratic and Republican primaries for Congress, Senate, and president.For Hoboken voters, early voting runs through Sunday, June 2 in Hoboken City Hall's first-floor conference room (94 Washington St.). The early voting location will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary, the city said.Unaffiliated voters are eligible to vote in person in either the Democratic or Republican Primary Election, by declaring their party at the polls during either early voting or on Election Day. Registered Democrats and Republicans are only permitted to vote in their party’s respective Primary Election. Residents can also cast their ballot at their registered polling place on Tuesday, June 4. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling locations can be found at https://www.hobokennj.gov/polling-locations. See more about voting in Hoboken here.Catch up on local politicsJersey City, Hoboken Officials Make Endorsements In RaceHusband Of Former Hoboken Mayor Zimmer Takes Shots At Bhalla. Here's Why.New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District includes most of Hudson County (including Hoboken and Jersey City), as well as Elizabeth in Union County, and Newark's north and east wards.The article Bhalla, Menendez, And Jasey Speak Out On Ceasefire In Gaza appeared first on Hoboken, NJ Patch.
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