Dominique Jack and Video credit: Jay Dow
3 hours ago
YONKERS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Officials and advocates are speaking out after a Yonkers man said his family received a threatening letter that read “we don’t want you here” after they displayed a Palestinian flag outside their home.
The letter, addressed to Samir on Monday, stated that other Yonkers residents had contacted Border Czar Tom Homan about Samir’s citizenship status and that the family was now “under surveillance.” Samir was also warned to remove the flag with a statement reading, “do not force us to go further with this issue.”
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(Credit: Samir)
“We should not have to fear being targeted simply because we chose to display a Palestinian flag outside our home,” said Samir in a statement. “I am a proud Yonkers resident, and displaying a Palestinian flag does not make me any less American or any less deserving of safety and respect.”
On Friday, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano condemned the letter and assured the Westchester County Human Rights Commission is now investigating the issue.
“Harassing, intimidating or threatening your neighbors because you object to them peacefully displaying support for their Palestinian heritage is unacceptable,” said Jenkins in a statement. “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. “
“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,” wrote Spano. “We may disagree, but we are Americans and neighbors. There is no place for hate in Yonkers.”
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.