While November and December are times of great thanks, appreciation and celebration, 2023 brings new hope and a growing wish to heal all that divides us.
For all of our faults and differences, whether they be political, personal, social, professional or otherwise, we must take the time to remind ourselves of the incredible freedoms we enjoy that people in other countries can only dream about.
On Dec. 22, 2022 I mailed a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken supporting the people of Iran and decrying that government’s oppression of its citizens, particularly the woman of Iran. National Security Council Advisor Jake Sullivan, NJ District 3 Rep. Andy Kim and Sen. Linda Greenstein were sent copies as well.
The letter, which was presented to and received the full support of Robbinsville Township Council, read as follows:
Dear Secretary of State Blinken:
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa (Jina) Amini in Iranian custody on September 13 set into motion nationwide protests and strikes in at least 103 cities and towns across all thirty-one of Iran’s provinces, with scores of protesters killed and many more injured.
Thousands of brave citizens have been arrested, including journalists, activists and artists. A number of recent detainees are facing grave abuse and torture. Many more atrocities and human rights violations are likely being obscured by a government-imposed internet black out.
Robbinsville Township, in the State of New Jersey, County of Mercer, is in full support of any action undertaken by the United States that would help end the violence and systematic oppression being inflicted on peaceful Iranians. Furthermore, the Robbinsville Administration and Township Council stand in solidarity with the women of Iran during this ongoing and unacceptable human rights crisis, which reached another low point on December 14, 2022 when the Islamic Republic of Iran was removed from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for the remainder of its 2022-2026 term.
Please continue to collaborate with President Biden, members of the State Department and the National Security Council, to stomp out the establishment and further advancement of authoritarianism not only in Iran, but throughout the world. The Iranian people need us.
Just as our community and thousands of others around the world rallied around the people of Ukraine following the unjust invasion by Russia in February, we can help do the same for the people of Iran by writing our local representatives, Congressman Kim and Senator Greenstein in Washington.
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Awesome job by the Robbinsville Township Police Department, PBA Local 344, our Fire Department and IAFF Local 3786, which helped raise $8,000 for Marine Corp. Pat Duva and “Pat’s Purpose” as part of “No-Shave November. Congratulations to Sgt. Wayne Haugh for capturing the “Best Beard” trophy for the second consecutive year! (See story and photo on page 12.)
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The 2023 Council reorganization meeting is set for January 5 at 6 p.m. Please note all meetings following reorg will return to their pre-pandemic start time of 7 p.m.
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Don’t forget our free rabies clinic on January 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Public Works garage, located at 56 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Please use leashes and/or pet carriers for your furry ones.
Have a safe, happy and healthy New Year from all of us in Robbinsville Township!
Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville Township
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