Slices owner Isaac Garson with Congressman George Latimer
Members of Palestinian News Network in Hastings
By Dan Murphy
The Westchester community and Congressman George Latimer have rallied to support Isaac Garson, owner of Slices Pizzeria, located at 14 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson.
Garson, who is Jewish, was the subject of a protest outside his store by a group called The Palestinian News Network (PNN). Three people holding signs that read “End U.S. aid to Israel” and holding video cameras, approached Garson when he came outside to inquire what this was all about.
A viral video shows most of the exchange between Garson and the protestors. At first, Garson was calm and said, “I’m going to be calm. “I want peace around the world.” The protestor asked Garson, “What about Palestine? Can you say Palestine, specifically?”
When protestors continued outside the pizzeria and started engaging passersby about Israel, Garson returned to ask them to acknowledge casualties from the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The cameraman responded, “We support Oct. 7.”
Two Hastings Police officers arrived, but took no action.
Hastings Mayor Tom Drake wrote, A video created by a Jewish hate group has gone viral, and it sadly involves one of our beloved local business owners. Just a few days ago, this hate group targeted our business owner and a member of our community based solely on his Jewish faith and heritage. This type of fear, intimidation, and harassment cannot be tolerated in our village and in any society.
The cowardly edited video only shows actions taken by the victim, but is carefully edited to not include any possible illegal activity on the part of the trolls who created it. While their actions and video are covered under their rights to protest and free speech, let me remind all residents that causing fear and intimidation, blocking sidewalks and entrances to business, and harassing members of the public are against the law. I encourage anyone who encounters such conduct to contact the Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department and report such violations of the law.
I am sorry that this type of conduct has reached our amazing and tolerant village. Today, the strength exhibited by our friend and business owner, who I have been in communication with, makes me proud to be your mayor and do everything to support our businesses and residents, even when faced with such a gross display of hate. As a community, we cannot let stickers placed on signs or other forms of hate to become normal. While they may seem small in some cases, they are intended to cause fear and intimidation. These actions have targeted a specific population of our village, and I urge all Hastings residents to join me in condemning such actions of hate and come together and support one another. I wish you all the best. Tom Drake Mayor april 15
Congressman George Latimer posted, “Yesterday, I stopped by Slices Pizza in Hastings on Hudson to meet with owner Isaac Garson. We spoke of the situation that took place last week when Palestinian News Network affiliates targeted his shop and began harassing him and patrons, vocalizing support for the October 7th attacks, the deadliest single day for Jewish people since the Holocaust.
“Slices Pizza is a pillar of our community and a place beloved by our neighbors, serving as a gathering place for over 20 years. Together, we must work to ensure Hastings on Hudson remains a place where everyone feels welcome and safe to gather in community,” wrote Rep. Latimer.
The same group from PNN posted videos of their travels around Hastings, asking residents their feelings about Israel, the War in Iran, and Palestine, with some showing support for the signs and some against.
The Hastings Police officers were calm in their interactions with PNN, who correctly stated that they were expressing their First Amendment rights. It is unclear whether PNN specifically targeted Garson, but he believes they did confront him because of his faith.
The response to the incident has been a “Buy-cott” in support of Garson and Slices, with customers and residents from around Westchester lining up to buy a slice and show their solidarity.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, PNN is a network of people who harass strangers, often Jews. They prod people about their stance on Palestine. The group formed after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. The ADL identified its founders as Ramsey Aburdene and David Wolf. Wolf is described as a Jewish man from New Jersey and an extreme anti-Zionist.
Videos of the incident can be found at https://x.com/ShirionOrg/status/2044220650932580675
