© Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh
(Paterson, NJ) – Paterson, New Jersey, has historically been very diverse — and notably houses one of the state’s largest Arab-American communities. And since the Israel-Hamas war kicked off earlier this month, protests have unfolded involving supporters from both sides, at spots around the Tri-State. That’s also true for Paterson, as a demonstration held in the city’s “Little Palestine” section brought out people this past Sunday.
We caught up with Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh to discuss the issue. As the mayor of Paterson — with its large Palestine population — he’s highly qualified to chime in. Sayegh also happens to be of Arab descent, raised in a Christian family. He spoke to 77 WABC’s James Flippin this week.
Some in the crowd on Sunday in Paterson said they gathered to stand in solidarity with those affected by the recent fighting, specifically those living in the Gaza Strip. They also called on members of Congress to support a cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. Meanwhile, pro-Israel rallies have been held in New York and New Jersey, dating back to Hamas’ terrorist attacks on October 7.
Some in the Paterson crowd on Sunday made a point to say the debate doesn’t center on religion, and others argued war is not the answer to the ongoing conflict. But at some Pro-Palestine rallies, the chant, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” has been routinely heard. That’s deemed to be anti-Semitic by some, given it suggests the land known as Israel has no room for Jewish people.
