JOINT STATEMENT AFFIRMING THAT HATE HAS NO HOME IN BERGEN COUNTY

HACKENSACK, N.J. – The following joint statement is being issued by U.S. Representative Nellie Pou, State Senator Benjie Wimberly, Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Bergen County Commissioner Chair Steven A. Tanelli, Vice Chair Tracy Silna Zur, Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan M. Voss, and Commissioners Mary J. Amoroso, Rafael Marte, Germaine M. Ortiz, and Thomas J. Sullivan regarding the cancellation of a music event that had been scheduled to take place in Garfield:

"Bergen County is one of the most diverse communities in America, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We are home to people of every race, religion, ethnicity, and background, and we are stronger because of it.

Let us be clear: hate has no home in Bergen County.

The racist, antisemitic, and white supremacist ideologies reportedly associated with the now-cancelled music event in Garfield are fundamentally at odds with the values we share as a community. Bergen County has long been a place where people of different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures live together with mutual respect, and we reject any message rooted in hatred, bigotry, or intolerance.

The cancellation of this event was the right decision. We appreciate that the Wisła Club listened to the concerns raised by residents and community leaders, and we thank the Club's leadership for taking those concerns seriously.

Together, we stand with all those targeted by hate. Bergen County will continue to stand for inclusion, respect, and understanding, and those values will always be stronger than hate."