Raising of Palestinian Flag Prompts More Praise Than Protest, So Far

posted on: May 21, 2013

Arab-American leaders say a City Hall ceremony Sunday that honored Palestinian-Americans and raised their native flag was a sign of their growth in the area.

“It’s great, and a testament to the growing influence of the Arab-American community in Paterson as well as their importance as a political constituency,” said James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute in Washington, D.C.

But the move triggered some backlash online from bloggers and Twitter users who believe Palestinians are trying to push a Muslim agenda in the U.S.

Local and state officials who participated in the event Sunday at Paterson City Hall said Monday they had not gotten complaints. The Record spoke with Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones and staff at the offices of Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-Paterson, and Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, D-Clifton, each of whom attended the flag-raising ceremony.

Jones said the only complaint he received was from a few merchants downtown who said business suffered because of the closing of the area around City Hall during the event.

“Being sensitive is more paramount, since we do flag-raisings for most communities,” he said.

Jones read a proclamation at City Hall on Sunday declaring Palestinian American Day and recognizing the group’s heritage and contributions.

“We have a growing Arab population — growing just like our Latinos and other ethnic groups,” Jones said. “Each group is asking and presenting themselves for recognition.”

Many cities in New Jersey hold flag-raisings to recognize local ethnic communities, but none apparently has been held for Palestinians. For some, the Palestinian flag is a contentious symbol because of the decades-long struggles with Israel over statehood and land.

Khader Abuassab, who organized the event, said he had received angry messages beforehand. He claimed one text message was sent by Charles Meyers, a business administrator in the county Sheriff’s Office and a former acting sheriff, saying “Drop dead.”

Spokesman Bill Maer said the office is continuing to investigate the complaint and expected to reach a resolution this week.

North Jersey