In response to the rash of defamatory graffiti found throughout Monmouth County earlier last month, Chabad of Western Monmouth County has organized an evening addressing anti-semitism in modern day America.

The event, to take place on Sunday, October 21st at the organization’s Manalapan center at 26 Wickatunk road Manalapan, will feature Rabbi David Nesenoff, an expert and counselor of bias crimes. Nesenoff has spent 20 years working with youth convicted of hate crimes and served as a consultant to the U.S Department of Justice.

Nesenoff came to national attention in June 2010, with the filming of White House correspondent Helen Thomas’s proclaiming that the Jews better “get the hell out of Palestine. Remember these people are occupied and it’s their land. It’s not Germany or Poland.” The video quickly went viral, eventually leading Thomas to resign from her post with Hearst News Service, ending a 60 year career as a Washington journalist.

With the retelling of his famous encounter with Thomas, Nesenoff will explore hate crimes, media bias and cyber-hatred – and how to cultivate a community of tolerance and respect.

The community was quick to voice their outrage of the anti-semitic vandalism found in Monmouth Heights, which included red swastikas and “Kill the Jews” spray painted on mailboxes, sidewalks and stop signs throughout the neighborhood.

The Manalapan Township Committee declared the acts a hate crime. “I consider these acts to be a hate crime,” Committeeman Ryan Green said. “There are no words strong enough to convey how appalling and how despicable this incident is.”

Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen echoed the committeeman, by saying. “We take this very seriously and are especially saddened to think that something like this is happening in Manalapan. Bias crimes of any nature will not be tolerated.” The Mayor will be in attendance at the lecture.

The Manalapan Police Department, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, have been investigating the incident since the crime has been committed. No arrests have been made.

For, Rabbi Levi Wolosow, adult education director at Chabad of Monmouth County, this is a crucial conversation to have.

“This is not about the Jews of Monmouth County,” Wolosow explained, “This is about Monmouth County as a whole, about creating a safe, respectful community for all its members.” 

This event is sponsored by the Chabad House and the Jewish Federation.

Guest Speaker: David Nesenoff
Date & Time: Sunday, October 21 at 7:30 PM
Location: Chabad House, 26 Wickatunk Road, Manalapan
Cover: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

To RSVP call 732-972-3687 or go to http://www.chabadwmc.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1266734/jewish/Lectures.htm 

Also see youtube clip here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcQdWBqt14