RELEASE: Gottheimer Statement on Israeli Flag Burning in Tenafly

NORTH JERSEY - Today, September 17, 2025, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement after Temple Sinai's Israeli flag was burned outside their synagogue in Tenafly:

"The act of antisemitic vandalism in Tenafly this week is vile, unacceptable, and has no place in our community, state, or country. It's rightly being investigated as a hate crime.

Families across Jersey - no matter their faith - should have the right to worship freely and safely. Our houses of worship, which are a refuge for so many, should never be the target of protest, intimidation, or hate.

Antisemitism has reached record levels across the country, especially in our region. That's why I've been working across the aisle to boost funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help get synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples the resources they need to protect themselves against threats and violence. I'm also fighting to pass my bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act to give schools the tools they need to confront antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head.

I have spoken with Rabbi Jordan Millstein, and we discussed how the Temple and the community are responding to this vile and cowardly act. We also spoke about the continued work we must do to ensure the safety and security of families, especially ahead of the High Holidays.

We cannot be silent as our friends and neighbors are under threat. We must bring those responsible to justice and send a clear message: hate and intolerance against anyone will never win in New Jersey or anywhere in the greatest country in the world."

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