Rockland Reporter

On August 8, 2024, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined State Senator Rob Rolison, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Assemblyman Anil "AJ" Beephan in sending a letter to New York State Education Department (NYSED) Commissioner Betty Rosa. The lawmakers urged the removal of Carmel Central School District Trustee Jim Wise from office. Trustee Wise has defended the slogan "from the river to the sea," which is widely interpreted as a call for the destruction of Israel. He has also equated Israel with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah and referred to both Israel and the United States as "terrorist states."

"There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism," said Congressman Lawler. "Carmel Trustee Jim Wise has broken the public trust by repeating the disgusting antisemitic lies of Hamas apologists. Conduct such as his is unbecoming of an elected official anywhere, especially here in the Hudson Valley, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in our country. Jim Wise should resign in disgrace and be removed from office if he refuses to do so. That is why I have joined Senator Rolison and Assemblymen Slater and Beephan in asking Commissioner Rosa to remove him from office at once."

"Our state has seen a dramatic rise in antisemitism following the disgusting attacks by Hamas on October 7th," said Assemblyman Slater. "It is unacceptable for someone in a leadership position to create a hurtful and divisive environment. I stand as a representative of this community and join my fellow colleagues and the rest of the residents in Carmel, in requesting that not only antisemitism be addressed but to remove Trustee Wise from office."

"As a representative of our community, I take seriously the concerns raised by thousands of residents regarding Trustee Wise. After reviewing the situation and the divisive impact his perceived antisemitic comments have had on the Carmel Central School District, my office formally called for his resignation. It is disappointing that instead of stepping down to allow the school board to focus on governance and healing, Trustee Wise has dismissed these concerns as a smear campaign. Given his refusal to heed the community’s call, I am joining in a collective appeal to Commissioner Rosa to take the necessary steps to remove Trustee Wise from office. Our children and our district deserve leadership that fosters unity, respect, and progress," said Assemblyman Beephan.

"Antisemitic bigotry has no place in New York's educational values and the teaching of our children. Those who willfully ignore this truism to push a noxious political agenda must face consequences. I therefore join with my colleagues to urge Commissioner Rosa to take immediate action on this matter," said Senator Rolison.

"Our public school officials are entrusted with the education and protection of all students," wrote lawmakers. "It is simply unacceptable, and there should be zero tolerance, for a school board trustee to be spreading and defending ignorant antisemitic slogans such as 'From the River to the Sea, Palestine must be free.' This phrase has widely been understood as an explicit call to eliminate Israel's statehood and exterminate its Jewish population."

"For any elected official, let alone a sitting School Board member who is tasked with helping create a welcoming educational environment for students, using and defending this blatant antisemitic slogan is appalling," continued lawmakers. "It must be condemned in strong terms, and those who engage in this antisemitic behavior must be held accountable."

"In Congress, the House passed a resolution condemning 'From the River to the Sea,' but now it is your turn, Commissioner Rosa, to show that this antisemitic phrase has no place in New York," added lawmakers. "Furthermore, at Carmel Central School District meeting on July 9th Mr. Wise went so far as insinuating that Israel is a terrorist state engaging in terror attacks equating it with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This is abhorrent and demands immediate action. In Congress Congressman Lawler’s Antisemitism Awareness Act was passed stopping harmful rhetoric on college campuses; Assemblyman Slater introduced similar measure within Assembly."

"Our state sadly saw dramatic rise in antisemitism following disgusting attacks October 7th by Hamas," concluded lawmakers."It’s part why Congressman Lawler sent you Commissioner Rosa earlier year asking addressing antisemitism Board Regents meeting; request absurdly denied hopeful taking strong stance against all forms hatred Mr.Wise not fit continue important valued role within community urging necessary appropriate steps removing him"

Congressman Lawler one most bipartisan members 118th Congress represents New York's 17th Congressional District just north New York City containing all parts Rockland Putnam Dutchess Westchester Counties