JACKSON, NJ – A pro-Palestinian protest and parade has been planned for Sunday in Jackson Township. A social media post has been circulating, designating the location as the township’s public works building.
Jackson Mayor Michael Reina responded to that post in an interview with Lakewood News Network confirming that no groups had filed for permits to use public property and had concerns about the location.
Jackson Township has been targeted by the group because of its large population of Orthodox Jewish families.
In light of rowdy pop-up events, pop-up parties, and other instances of pro-Palestinian protests escalating throughout the United States, Reina said it is customary for township officials to make sure that the event organizers act within the guidelines of the local ordinances and adhere to public safety standards set by local ordinances.
“We have several agencies looking into the origin of this online message. I can assure everyone that we did not authorize any parade or gathering, nor was a permit issued. At this time, we are not aware who the creators are, but that will not stop us from being vigilant.”
The site chosen is at the intersection of two major roads with speed limits of up to 45 miles per hour. He added that the DPW building has limited space, limited parking and is busy every day with heavy equipment and trucks coming in and out. It is also the site of a fuel station used for township vehicles which cannot be blocked.
Next door is a county road maintenance garage which also has heavy industrial vehicles coming in and out all day long.
CAIRNJ, a Muslim rights group, condemned the mayor for doing his due diligence to ensure public safety for residents and protesters alike.
“We never told anyone they can’t have an event in our town, but it’s our duty and our responsibility to make sure anyone who attends doesn’t get hurt. This is a bad spot. We have never hosted a large public gathering here for that reason.” Reina said. “Our concern is public safety.”
CAIRNJ says the mayor’s comments instead were hostile to Muslims.
“We condemn Jackson Township’s hostile stance toward free speech and assembly. The mayor’s hostile reaction to a peaceful pro-Palestine rally by alerting “several agencies” and dispatching the Counter-Terrorism officer demonstrates a potential anti-Muslim or anti-Palestinian bias,” CAIRNJ said.
To host a large scale event in Jackson Township, every organization is required to file for a permit and to provide proof of insurance. For large events, groups are often required to provide security, traffic safety and other safeguards to ensure the safety for everyone.
In recent years, impromptu pop-up parties and car events in the region have led to quality of life complaints by residents and damage to personal and public property.
“Nobody is taking away anyone’s right to protest,” Reina said.
Reina emphasized that any group looking to host an event with a large group of people at any township owned property needs to obtain a permit and show proof of insurance before the event.
We reached out to CAIRNJ regarding the mayor’s safety concerns and the Muslim rights group did not respond.
According to township ordinance 289-6, a permit is required for any large gatherings on public property in Jackson.
“No person, group of persons, partnership, association or corporation, or any combination thereof, shall maintain, conduct, promote or operate, on any lands or premises within the Township of Jackson, other than in established auditoriums and other places licensed or permitted for public occupancy as permitted by law, any use thereof for the purposes of mass musical or public entertainment purposes, including but not limited to concerts, music festivals, or such similar type of events, except pursuant to a special permit issued therefor by the Township of Jackson as hereinafter provided.”