2012-06-02

New fault lines in American politics

Congressman Pascrell is best for New Jersey
THERE are some who still call parts of Paterson "Little Jerusalem" because the area is home to places of worship for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Relations among the people and leaders of the area have generally been friendly and cooperative. But now, a political race is threatening that cordiality...

...The Arab and Muslim community of northern New Jersey is taking notice of how Steve Rothman is using his support of Israel as the centerpiece of his campaign. They detest being labeled simply as an 'anti Israel constituency", a blanket judgment made by one of Rothmans's formidable financial backers (Chouaka of NORPAC in the Jewish Voice, Jan 12). They take issue with Rothman bragging about his help in getting Israel over $50 billion in aid since 2001, while bringing back only $2 billion to New Jersey residents. Critics of Rothman see this as a lopsided math expressive of misdirected commitment. ("Pro-Rothman letter by synagogue presidents stirs debate," Jewish Standard, February 24)

Arab and Muslim grassroots meetings are forming all over District 9, strategizing for a massive voter turnout, with voter registration drives outside mosques and along Main Street, fundraising, and a targeted mobilization of volunteers. I was invited to observe several of them, and invariably, the mood was intensely personal. Ethnic newspapers based in Paterson have published articles, opinions, and even paid ads supportive of Pascrell. The candidates' position on Palestine appears paramount, and for many, it has already informed their expected vote.
Nothing really new here in electoral politics, even ethnic and religious tensions have occurred before, but this is a new fault line as Muslims begin to outnumber Jews.

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