Jackson resident Yossi Schwarz to Councilman Nixon: I can only hope that you have enough decency to step down voluntarily

Jackson resident Yossi Schwarz, who received backlash at a meeting several months ago for telling the council they were degrading the graves of veterans with their actions, sent the following email to Councilman Rob Nixon in response to the recent revelations (HERE, HERE and HERE):

Mr. Nixon, When I accused the council of “(moderated) on the graves of veterans” I did not realize how accurate I was.

To recap, you purposely and with malice aforethought, targeted members of the Jewish community for both their religion and suspected religious practices. You did so not only in your capacity as council person which was already outside of the purview of your official responsibilities but further participated on your own time, presumably in your own vehicle, in targeting and staking out a member of the religious Jewish community and speculating on the contents of their garages.

You hide behind platitudes relating to a high volume of complaints and the like but you seem to have forgotten that you already used that gambit with the ROW code enforcement and that proved to be a complete lie. Why should we believe you this time.

When advised that there were no illegalities that warranted code enforcement involved in the documented activities at the addresses targeted, you went even farther beyond any reasonable call of duty or capacity of your office to draft legislation that would have specifically targeted constitutionally protected religious practice and attempted to limit our ability to exercise our freedom of assembly. These are freedoms that our military service members have fought and died for to protect.

I do not think that I am in any way overstating the case against you and I can only hope that you [have] enough decency to step down voluntarily rather than waiting for yourself to be compelled to do so.

Thanks,

Yossi Schwarz

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40 COMMENTS

  1. Yossi I totally agree with you Mr Nixon should resign today. Either he resigns or else with a Good Attorney we can get him fired!! Isn’t it his duty to serve all Jackson Residents? Why is he so mean to the Jewish Community?

  2. THank you Mr Schwartz!
    It’s a shame that this is what it came to since we weren’t even given the opportunity to work this out as mature adults with peaceful dialogues.
    We can definitely say we tried on our part.
    Let’s not give up and the truth shall prevail!

  3. As a student of government relations, I can think of no worse teacher on how an official is supposed to treat his constituency. There’s obviously an extra chapter on hate in his textbook.

    Shame on him!

  4. Yossi Schwarz was NOT previously a Lakewood resident who moved to Jackson. He moved here for the suburban area with peace and tranquility. My understanding of his point is clear, many people can have different opinions and no two pleople are the same. Different people have different ideas about the place they live in and type of life style they want to live. Nobody has the right to tell someone else how to practice their religion and even more so to tell someone to assimilate when that is clearly against their religion!
    Jackson Township has gone above and beyond to dictate to Orthodox Jews how, when and where they can practice their religion. This is America, build on freedom of religion
    (And freedom of speech).
    There are some rotten apples in Jackson that disregard the American law (against the advice of their own attorney) and do things so unamerican. That being said, if you work for government and can’t comply with the very own government you work for, you should step down as you are unfit to serve.

    • Correct, the APP never reports on news outside Asbury Park; the New York Times never reports on news outside NY; and the Jerusalem Post never reports on news outside Jerusalem.

  5. when will TOMS RIVER be INVESTIGATED. IT ALL HAPPENS HERE!!!!
    even worse with politicians from both republicans but more so the Democrats to inciting hatred upon jews, counting people leaving and coming homes with official township vehicles, unannounced knocking on doors for Permits that are from 2005 as an excuse to enter homes…. and when these same homes were owned by non jews- no such thing happened.. shutting down “Schools” and “pool clubs” to actually stop religious practice of learning the bible or praying..

  6. E K
    Yes this us the Lakewood scoop & not the Jackson scoop however we are neighbors and one of the many good things about Lakewood is that we care for ALL our neighbors not just ourselves. We care about our friends and neighbors wherever they may be. Whether its Lakewood, Jackson, Howell, Toms River, or even another state or another country.
    If you live within any proximity of Lakewood consider yourself fortunate that you have such caring and compassionate friends who are here to help anyone of any race, color, religion, or any minority or majority. We help ALL people.

  7. Where is the outrage of our elected leaders being expressed?

    Where is the Va’ad, Sen. Singer, assemblyman Kean, and the Lakewood Township committee???

    Why aren’t they expressing out rage for this heinous behavior!?!?!

  8. I applaud Yossi Schwartz, may you have the strength and courage to continue, in getting rid if this individual As proud Americans, we pay taxes, we vote, and we will stand up what is right. To practice our religion without fear! To live in peace with our family, friends and good neighbors. We the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, where raised love this great country, USA. Let Freedom Ring!

  9. Mister Nixon.

    I suggest you initiate your search for top-notch representation. My colleagues and myself don’t come cheap. But given the undesirable situation you placed yourself in, you would be wise to not hire cheap. I’m also very skeptical that you can justifiably charge any related legal and/or other fees – unfairly borne by your egregious conduct – to the taxpayers.

    Then again, it’s probably best for yourself and the community if you simply step aside.

    This is one of those times that trying to hang on to something you no longer deserve, will only compound your sorry state of affairs.

  10. I’m glad this effort is underway. Besides for the antisemitic issue, it’s horrific that a man like this is in office claiming to represent us taxpayers.

    And as a side point, why can’t we taxpayers sue him for negligence for doing things that are now costing the town a fortune to defend?

    Any lawyers here to can take up the case?

  11. I’m trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together to try and figure out who is protecting him? Why have the officials not asked him already to step down?

    And by the way, according to sources in town (Jackson) this man has some big issues brewing besides this stuff.

  12. How about a Jackson vaad to organize a campaign to put in a real leader? No, it does not have to be a Jewish person, but any decent fellow. This man has shamed the office. And in my opinion he is directly responsible for most of the hate and animosity in Jackson.

  13. I’m not at all confident a replacement would be any better. The whole council and ESPECIALLY the mayor have abused the authority they were given with hate and intolerance… we just got the goods on Nixon so far….

  14. You know what’s amazing? If this was any other minority group being attacked by an official, there would have been protests and what not organized already. Where’s the ADL??

    How do we go about organizing a protest? Do we need a permit for it?

    I’m willing to dedicate time for this. I’m sure if we protested in front of his house or town hall it will get more people involved.

    • Good idea. I’m willing to attend. Please send details once they’re finalized. I think the whole Lakewood and Toms River should attend too. Scoop please post any details of protests. We must end this hatred and antisemitism now. And I am more than glad to post it on all my social media pages I’m part of if necessary.

  15. If this protest happens, I plan on bringing all of my employees. I will give them an extra hour or two of break to attend. It’s unacceptable.

  16. Anon & Leo:
    True: in other communities there would have been protests. Not so in our community. It is not our way. We are not new to the world, not new to anti-Semitism. Historically, we have always taken the quieter route. Our rabbonim have always been there to guide us as to how & how much to defend our positions. But protests have never been the way. (You can join Peleg if you want action…)

  17. Toms River has been more then understanding and had no problem with sukkah’s and an Eruv. Why bash Toms River? What is there to investigate in Toms River, enlighten me please.

Comments are closed.