New City, NY (June 2, 2011) – County Legislator Joe Meyers has joined the call for a federal probe into the recent events in New Square where Aron Rottenberg was recently burned over more than half his body for his decision to pray outside his community’s synagogue.
“After waiting for more details and information to come following the May 22nd incident, it appears that there is some indication of a concerted effort within New Square to intimidate Mr. Rottenberg and to effectively deny him his legal right to worship where he pleases,” said Legislator Meyers.
Legislator Meyers has therefore decided to join the Rockland Journal News in calling for a federal probe of the matter and extending the probe to any other allegations of denial of civil rights within the Hasidic enclave of New Square.
“A federal probe is necessary because issues of civil rights and freedom of religion are involved and these are potential federal crimes. Furthermore, we all saw Ramapo Supervisor Chris St. Lawrence, who is the head of the Town of Ramapo Police Commission, dismiss the incident as an isolated one based on assurances he received after the incident by the Deputy Mayor of New Square. This is not appropriate conduct given his position and the on-going investigation”, said Legislator Meyers.
Recent Journal News reports of repeated calls to police over a period of months by Mr. Rottenberg and members of his family, further indicate the need for a federal probe, according to Legislator Meyers because it shows a pattern of conduct to intimidate religious freedom.
“I am also concerned because, according to the Journal News, Grand Rebbe Twersky ordered that all residents of New Square pray in the main synagogue and the accused perpetrator is related to the Deputy Mayor of New Square and apparently works in the Grand Rebbe’s home”, said Legislator Meyers.
Legislator Meyers believes that our society must have a zero tolerance policy for religious extremism on any side that infringes on the freedoms of any individuals or that leads to violence or intimidation. Such intimidation or violence is abhorrent whether directed against anyone’s right to lawfully worship as they choose or whether it is manifested in a manner to coerce individuals into how to live their lives.
Legislator Meyers is calling upon all public officials in Rockland to join him in demanding a federal probe into this incident and any other claims of violation of individual rights within New Square.
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