Green Candidate for Governor Stephen Zielinski: Mr Gottheimer…protesting the slaughter of children in Gaza is not “antisemitism”
Editor’s Note: On November 26, this editor issued a “Help Wanted” seeking a 2025 NJ Gubernatorial candidate who will fight to guard protected free speech from legislation the Democratic Party is spearheading to fraudulently conflate criticism of Israel falsely as “anti-Semitism.” Two proposed laws were advanced out of a Senate committee in June of 2024 and could soon be passed by that body and a similar effort is underway in the NJ Assembly. The Democratic Party spearheaded effort to impose a fascist definition of anti-Semitism also is widely supported by NJ’s Trump-ian Republicans.
On November 18 it was reported that Democratic Party Gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer announced at a rally proclaiming his candidacy that a central plank of his election campaign is a promise to unleash police repression and “the full force of the law” against proponents of support for Palestinians and the struggle against genocide – who Gottheimer fraudulently accuses of “anti-Semitism.” Thus far none of the other Democratic Party candidates have challenged Gottheimer suggesting that they too plan to also launch police repression against the pro-Palestine advocacy sectors of NJ.
However, a candidate who is seeking the Green Party nomination to run for the NJ Governor slot in 2025 has stepped forward with a bold statement clearly condemning the authoritarian and dictatorial statement by Gottheimer. Hopefully he sets an example for the other candidates that it is a mistake to concede the floor on Gottheimer’s call for repression of pro-Palestine advocacy.
Meanwhile as of right now, Stephen Zielenski, Green Party candidate for NJ Governor in 2025 is *the only* NJ Gubernatorial candidate who has stepped up and spoken out to defend our protected speech rights – his stepping onto the floor is a welcome development indeed!
Josh, your actions and rhetoric are setting a dangerous precedent. In a recent statement you said, “We need more cops on the beat and more community policing. And let me add: We need to bring the full force of the law against the antisemites who are harassing Jewish or any other communities all over this state.”
Labeling students exercising their First Amendment rights as threats and calling in law enforcement to suppress their voices is not leadership—it’s oppression. These students should not be silenced; they should be applauded for standing up for their constitutional rights and questioning what we, as a society, are allowing.
Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of our democracy. It is not anti-Semitism to question policies, express dissent, or demand accountability. Equating peaceful protests with hate speech undermines the very foundation of our nation’s principles. We must have the courage to face difficult conversations without resorting to fearmongering or suppression.
Our law enforcement officers are here to serve and protect—not to intimidate or suppress. When their presence resembles that of a militia rather than community protectors, it exacerbates tensions. It is like striking a match on a pile of gasoline-soaked kindling. Such actions do not calm the flames of unrest; they ignite them further. Josh, if your approach to dissent is to stifle it with intimidation, you’re not protecting anyone—you’re fueling division.
It is painfully clear that your focus is on advancing your own agenda rather than serving the diverse people of New Jersey. As a public servant, your duty is to represent all, not just a chosen few. True leadership does not divide; it unites. It does not condemn peaceful protest; it fosters dialogue. It does not silence voices; it amplifies them.
As your Governor, I will not stand for genocide in any form. I will stand for uniting this diverse state and bringing people together. I pledge to lead with humanity and empathy. I will fight for peace, for justice, and for a New Jersey that not only welcomes all but actively works to uplift every individual, regardless of their background.
Together, we can build a state and a nation that stands firmly against genocide, against hatred, and against violence. This is not just about international conflicts; it’s about who we are as a people. New Jersey, we are better together. Let’s show the world how unity can overcome division, how humanity can prevail over inhumanity.
No more. Let this be our collective promise.
Josh, get on the ball. Stop using your platform to alienate and suppress, and start working to unite this state. New Jersey deserves better. We deserve leadership that upholds the values of freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Stephen N Zielinski Sr is an Independent Green Party candidate for Governor in New Jersey. To find out more about his stance on genocide and the conflict here in New Jersey, go to https://zielinski4green2025.com/genocide
 |
