New Jersey mayor sparks outrage after telling anti-Semitic Twitter user to 'call police' on Jews
A New Jersey mayor has found himself in the middle of a social media firestorm after inviting an anti-Semitic Twitter user to call the police to report Jews, who the tweeter complained were ruining the neighborhood.
Brick Township Mayor John G. Ducey was responding to a tweet on Tuesday from the now-deleted account @simms10471, who wanted to know what he was going to do about the local parks and beaches that the poster claimed were being “invaded by Hasidic and Orthodox Jews and being ruined.” The tweeter asserted, “Our tax-paying residents are being forced out while politicians sit and do nothing.”
Ducey personally replied to the anti-Semitic user with a proposed solution, tweeting, “Our parks security has started already. Just call police with any problems and they will send them out.”
The backlash to Ducey’s perceived insensitivity was swift. Some told him he handled the situation poorly and needed to work on his social media etiquette, but others were less merciful, accusing Ducey of endorsing racism and demanding his impeachment.
I think you handled this poorly, an apology is in order at the very least.
You have a lot to learn about how to conduct yourself on social media. Start by not engaging people like that racist. If you see something like that again, report it and move on.
— Mike S. (@TheScullCap) April 24, 2019
You replied to bigotry with a reply othet than calling it out for what it is. You should resign!
— Abe (@Israelican) April 24, 2019
What's not fair? Guy complains the dirty Jews are fouling up the park and your reply is sit tight were on the way??
— DovBear (@DovBear) April 24, 2019
At first, Ducey tried to tell his critics they were creating “false controversy.”
What's not fair? Guy complains the dirty Jews are fouling up the park and your reply is sit tight were on the way??
— DovBear (@DovBear) April 24, 2019
He then tried to backpedal. “I did not want to acknowledge the bigotry because that would give the commenter the power in the subject,” the mayor replied to one critic on Twitter. “Instead I gave him info on what could be done IF there was a problem.”
Perhaps but I did not want to acknowledge the bigotry because that would give the commenter the power in the subject. Instead I gave him info on what could be done IF there was a problem. Giving him the power to self reflect. No call was made. Eventually his anger focused on me.
— Mayor Ducey (@MayorDucey) April 24, 2019
He later called it a “learning experience.”
Thanks. I agree now. I just tried to diffuse things and focus his anger at me. I was successful at that on the hyperlical level. I’ve done pretty well for 6 years but this is a learning experience.
— Mayor Ducey (@MayorDucey) April 24, 2019
But some were still not buying it.
By Wednesday, the mayor finally addressed the controversy, publicly condemning the anti-Semitic social media user. “This Twitter feed (and the world in general) is no place for bigotry or hateful comments. They are hurtful and divisive.”
This twitter feed (and the world in general) is no place for bigotry or hateful comments. They are hurtful and divisive. They are condemned by me and all who are trying to make a difference in the world. Look for the good in you and others and the world will be a bettter place.
— Mayor Ducey (@MayorDucey) April 24, 2019
Ducey was sworn into office as mayor of Brick Township in January 2014. The municipality is right next to Lakewood, where the population of Orthodox Jewish residents has been increasing in recent years.
In an interview with the Asbury Park Press, Ducey said the entire exchange was a big misunderstanding.
“My response from people who don’t know me kind of got misconstrued,” he said. “They were trying to twist that around.”
Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out Ducey’s office for comment.
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