Yonkers, N.Y. – Samir Nofal, an Uber driver and father of seven, discovered an anonymous threatening letter in his mailbox after displaying Palestinian flags outside his home. The letter warned that federal immigration authorities had been contacted and claimed his house was under surveillance.
Family’s response and community reaction
Nofal said the intimidation only strengthened his resolve. “Any other threat – we’ll triple it. If you send a fourth threat, I’ll paint my house in the Palestinian flag,” he declared, emphasizing his pride as an American citizen.
He criticized the sender, stating, “The coward who sent this letter has no respect for this country or its Constitution.” Nofal also expressed a desire for his children, raised in America with Palestinian heritage, to enjoy the same rights as any other resident.
Local officials and civil‑rights groups weigh in
Mayor Mike Spano issued a statement condemning the letter’s tone and vitriol. “Everyone has a right to express their views, just as this family has a right to fly their flag. We may disagree, but we are Americans and neighbors. There is no place for hate in Yonkers,” Spano said.
Ze‘ad Ramadan, a board member of the Council on American‑Islamic Relations New York (CAIR‑NY), called on city leaders to publicly denounce the incident and to ensure a thorough investigation, urging protection of constitutional rights.
Police investigation
Yonkers police have opened an investigation to identify the sender. The case has also been reported to the Westchester County District Attorney’s bias‑crime unit for further review.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about hate‑motivated threats in the community and underscores the importance of protecting free expression and religious liberty at the local level.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
