Agudah’s New Jersey Office has released statement condemning Linden Mayor Derek Armstead, following the emergence of a recording in which he makes blatantly antisemitic comments:
Like aof ll people of good conscience, we are appalled at the recent antisemitic comments made by Linden Mayor Derek Armstead. The growth of the Jewish community in Linden and surrounding areas should be celebrated and encouraged, not disparaged behind closed doors. Describing the Chasidic community by their choice of headdress and hairstyles is offensive, but most concerning was his apparent desire to discriminate against the Orthodox community in hiring decisions.
The mayor swore to “impartially and justly perform all the duties of the office” and has a responsibility to all residents of Linden.
The community has a right to know if the discriminatory policy he suggested was ever implemented in the school district or other local government entities.
At a time when antisemitism in New Jersey is at a record high, civic leaders carry the responsibility to counter hate and antisemitism, not engage in it.