From ABC7 New York · · 1m 30s
Yonkers family threatened over Palestinian flags
An anonymous letter targets a Palestinian-American family for displaying their heritage, sparking a police investigation and calls for action from local leaders.
In brief
An anonymous letter targets a Palestinian-American family for displaying their heritage, sparking a police investigation and calls for action from local leaders. A Yonkers resident received an anonymous threatening letter over Palestinian flags on his home, but refused to be intimidated and vowed to display them more…
Threatening letter targets Yonkers family
Samir Nofal found an anonymous letter in his mailbox threatening him and his family over Palestinian flags displayed outside their home. The sender claimed federal immigration authorities had been contacted.
“If you love Palestine so much go back. We don't want you here.”
Nofal refuses to be intimidated
Rather than back down, the Uber driver and father of seven said he would display the flags even more prominently. He called the letter writer a coward who disrespects the Constitution.
“Any other threat - we're going to triple it. Any fourth threat- I'm going to paint my house in the Palestinian flag.”
Nofal asserts his American rights
A proud American citizen and Yonkers resident, Nofal said he wants his American-born children to enjoy the same constitutional rights as anyone else. He defended his right to display the flags.
“I want to make sure that my kids as American-born, American-raised, Palestinian heritage, they have the same right as any coward that's trying to send that letter to us.”
Civil rights group demands action
CAIR-NY, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights group, called on city leaders to publicly condemn the incident and investigate fully. The group urged officials to protect constitutional rights.
“They need to stand up and make strong words about protecting our constitutional rights and to say they are going to investigate this fully.”
Mayor condemns letter, police investigate
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano condemned the letter's tone and vitriol, affirming everyone's right to express views. Police are investigating the anonymous sender, and the case has been reported to the Westchester County District Attorney's bias crime unit.
“There is no place for hate in Yonkers.”
The short version
A Yonkers resident received an anonymous threatening letter over Palestinian flags on his home, but refused to be intimidated and vowed to display them more prominently.
