Supporters of Assemblyman John McGowan Raise Concerns

By Idy Perl

Politics are an ugly game, but there are times when lines get crossed and we are forced to speak up.

The Rockland Jewish Alliance was horrified when they were notified of dog-whistle politics being used by supporters of John McGowan, the GOP candidate running for assemblyman in District 97.

Supporters of McGowan’s campaign had signs posted around Orangetown with a picture of McGowan and Hasidic candidate Aron Wieder in full Hasidic garb, suggestively telling voters that “the choice is yours.” The insinuation is clear and obvious, and encouraging residents to vote for McGowan simply because the opposing candidate is an Orthodox Jew is blatant antisemitism.

Hateful campaigns such as this one unfortunately aren’t new to Orangetown, and are reminiscent of past campaigns that featured similar rhetoric.

The Rockland Jewish Alliance called on GOP leaders, who have so far not commented, to denounce this campaign and call out Orangetown residents for stooping to such tactics.

Because politics may be ugly, but racism and religious discrimination shouldn’t be tolerated anywhere.