Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement after a video surfaced showing a speaker at the Islamic Center of Rockland using violent, dangerous, and antisemitic rhetoric to describe the ongoing war in Gaza.

"I am deeply disturbed by the violent, antisemitic remarks espoused by a speaker at the Islamic Center of Rockland. I have visited the Center and have never encountered hostility or hatred towards anyone, but this rhetoric is shocking and deeply concerning,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “The speaker praised Hamas, called for Allah to ‘guide their (Hamas’) shooting’, prayed for Allah to ‘destroy the Zionist Jews’, and advocated for the liberation of the ‘Al-Aqsa Mosque from the plundering Jews’. That is totally unacceptable anywhere, but especially so in Rockland County.”

“It is my sincere hope that the members of the Islamic Center of Rockland and its leadership will clearly speak out against this disturbing, violent, and antisemitic rhetoric, and that we can use this hateful incident as a bridge towards further dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between our diverse faith communities,” continued Lawler.

“I will continue to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters, and those of all faiths, in Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley in condemning hate and in unifying against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other bigotry," concluded Lawler. “There are ways to express concern over ongoing conflicts across the globe without resorting to calls for the extermination of Jews or any other population. I am hopeful that this sad chapter will serve as a lesson and an opportunity for growth for both Rockland County and the Hudson Valley.”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.