Jamieson
NEW YORK – The Anti-Defamation League Monday condemned Chester
Town Supervisor Alex Jamieson for his comments concerning purchasing land
to keep the Hasidics out.
The comments from Jamieson are “anti-Semitic, plain and simple,”
said Regional Anti-Defamation League Director Evan Bernstein. “No
one should speak this way, but these comments are particularly abhorrent
coming from an elected government official.”
Bernstein urged the state attorney general to investigate the situation.
Jamieson told the town board last week that the town would buy a nine-acre
parcel of land and as much open space as possible to stem the influx of
Hasidic Jewish families. The supervisor said the town was concerned given
the expansion of the Village or Kiryas Joel nearby.
“Concerns over land use and overdevelopment do not excuse prejudice
or bigotry,” said Bernstein. “Any effort targeting people
on account of their faith, ethnicity, or appearance is abhorrent. We unequivocally
condemn Town Supervisor Jamieson’s comments and call on all Chester
officials and community leaders to denounce them as well.”
Bernstein said it is even more disturbing during the Jewish High Holidays
“and at a time when incidents of anti-Semitism are at record levels.”
He said Jamieson’s remarks are deeply hurtful and bigoted.”
