Above: Gottheimer taking questions from North Jersey residents.

TENAFLY, NJ — On Sunday, October 29, 2023, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted an open community discussion on the events unfolding in Israel, Gaza, across the Middle East, and at home, encouraging dialogue and answering questions about the war, public safety and the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Gottheimer took questions from the crowd and discussed how the recent events have a strong impact on all Americans. More than 250 residents joined to listen and ask questions.

Tenafly, where the event was hosted, was home to Edan Alexander — a 19-year-old Tenafly High School graduate taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Gottheimer represents the Alexander family in Congress and met with them last week.

Video of Gottheimer’s remarks can be found here.

“It’s important to remember that this war is not about Muslims versus Jews, or Israelis versus Palestinians. This is about coming together to condemn and stand against Hamas terrorists who invaded Israel and brutally murdered, raped, burned alive, and kidnapped innocent babies, children, women, men, and elderly, including Americans. We need to focus on getting all of the hostages home, crushing Hamas terrorists, ensuring humanitarian aid gets to Palestinian civilians, and passing a bipartisan security assistance package with overwhelming support,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), the only Jewish member of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. “We are always strongest when we come together and focus on what unites us — when we celebrate our diverse communities, when we reach out to others, when we encourage dialogue within and between our faiths, and when we engage those with different views about the best way forward for our nation.”

“The Kaplen JCC was honored to host our Congressman, a great friend of Israel, Jewish Peoplehood and this community. The combination of his passion, nashuma (soul), and deep insight brought some comfort to a community in deep pain. We are grateful for Congressman Gottheimer’s support and friendship,” said Kaplan JCC on the Palisades Chief Executive Officer Steve Rodgers.

“As we attempt to navigate through this difficult and critical time in Jewish history — and especially Israel’s history, we are grateful to Rep. Gottheimer for his ongoing support and commitment to bringing the hostages home. His dedication and responsibility as one of the only Jewish representatives in government is critical and so important to guiding the government to supporting Israel and bringing this crisis to an end,” said Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Chief Executive Officer Jason Shames.

The event was moderated by Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Chief Executive Officer Jason Shames. 

Below: Gottheimer with North Jersey residents.

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