Above: Gottheimer speaking at Temple Ner Tamid.

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer held a fourth community discussion at Temple Ner Tamid. There, he took questions from the audience and discussed the rise of antisemitism and hate, the ongoing events unfolding in the Middle East, public safety, his other work to protect women’s health, safeguard Americans against disinformation being spewed on TikTok, and clawing back federal investments for nonprofits and local communities.

“We are always strongest when we come together and focus on what unites us — when we celebrate our diverse communities, reach out to others, encourage dialogue within and between our faiths, and engage those with different views about the best way forward for our nation,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), the only Jewish member of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. “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.”

Jaime Bedrin, journalist and member of the Temple’s congregation, moderated the discussion.

Gottheimer recently returned from traveling to Qatar and Egypt where he met with lead negotiators who have been working day and night to help resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

Gottheimer’s first community discussion on the war in Israel and the events unfolding in the Middle East occurred in Tenafly on October 29, 2023. The second community discussion occurred in Franklin Lakes on November 5, 2023. The third community discussion occurred in Livingston on February 8, 2024.

Below: Gottheimer with Rabbi Marc Katz and journalist Jaime Bedrin.

Below: Gottheimer speaking at Temple Ner Tamid.

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