Anti-Semitism: Jewish War Veterans praise Jackson cops over arrest

Joshua Chung | Asbury Park Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Jackson Police Department awarded for their contributions in an anti-Semitic case The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America were awarded for their contributions in the arrest of a teenage drive related to an anti-Semitic case.

JACKSON - The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America honored three officers with a plaque for their contributions in a case involving accusations of anti-Semitism.

Jackson police officers Stephen Cilento, Detective John Rodriguez and Sergeant Martinez were honored for the arrest of a Jackson teenager who is accused of swerving his car at two Jewish men while screaming religious insults at them.

"We are fortunate that our neighbors and friends of the Jewish War Veterans see this as a good work in the community," Chief Matthew Kunz said. "We're not looking for recognition, but we appreciate them taking the time to come out here and saying thank you to our staff."

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On Sept. 16, police responded to a report of a bias incident on Louisiana Parkway. At the scene they learned two Jewish residents were standing near the curb in front of a home when a vehicle swerved at them, forcing them to jump onto the curb to safety, Jackson police said.

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The passengers of the vehicle yelled obscenities and religious insults, police said. The vehicle then drove around a second time, swerving at the residents once again, while yelling obscenities and insults. A nearby witness observed the incident and was able to recordthe license plate.

Police said they identified the driver of the vehicle as a juvenile, who was charged with simple assault, harassment and bias intimidation.

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Accusations of anti-Semitism in Jackson have grown more prominent recently, as the Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood has grown to surrounding towns.

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"If anything anti-Semitic occurs in New Jersey, the Jewish War Veterans are the first ones" to address it, said Jeff Sohn, New Jersey commander of the Jewish War Veterans. "The organization is very big on these cases. We have a lot of people scouring the newspapers, television and if anything is brought up we investigate."

Joshua Chung is a breaking news reporter. A lifelong Jersey Shore resident, he is a recent graduate of Michigan State University. Contact him at jchung@gannettnj.com, 732-870-7985, or on Twitter @Joshchunggg