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.