Yonkers police investigating threatening letter sent to Palestinian American family
The letter reads in part, "If you love Palestine so much, go back. We don't want you here." And “Your house is now under surveillance."
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A Palestinian American family in Yonkers says they found an anonymous, threatening letter in their mailbox this week.
The letter reads in part, "If you love Palestine so much, go back. We don't want you here." And “Your house is now under surveillance." The letter also says, "remove the flags immediately. Do not force us to go further with this issue."
Samir Nofal says his family has Palestinian flags displayed outside of their home and more have been added since this incident.
"I stepped it up because I don't want this issue to happen with anybody else," said Nofal.
Nofal told News 12, instead of living in fear, they're standing their ground.
"We want to show those people, those cowards that tried to send these kinds of letters, that we are American just like everyone else. We are citizens of the U.S. Me personally, I was born here in the U.S.," Nofal explained.
Yonkers police are investigating the situation.
"The matter is currently under investigation by Yonkers Police Officers and investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the letter and identify the individual or individuals responsible. As with incidents of this nature, members of our Community Affairs Division will also conduct follow-up with the victim in the coming days to provide support and address any continuing concerns," a spokesperson for the Yonkers Police Department wrote in a statement.
Police also say they will continue coordinating with all necessary law enforcement agencies to investigate this incident thoroughly.
“I strongly disagree with the tone and vitriol of this letter. Everyone has a right to express their views, just as this family has a right to fly their flag. We may disagree, but we are Americans and neighbors. There is no place for hate in Yonkers," said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins released the following statement:
“Harassing, intimidating or threatening your neighbors because you object to them peacefully displaying support for their Palestinian heritage is unacceptable. There is no place for that kind of behavior in Westchester County. All Americans, regardless of their heritage or background, have the right to free speech. Just as we must stand against racism, antisemitism and hatred directed toward any community, we must also stand against hatred and discrimination directed toward Palestinians.
Palestinian Americans and Palestinian families who call Westchester home are part of the fabric of our County. They are our neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members, and they deserve the same dignity, respect and sense of belonging as everyone who lives here.
We take concerns about intimidation and discrimination seriously, and we are committed to engaging the Westchester County Human Rights Commission to ensure these concerns are appropriately reviewed and addressed.”
