Greenberg’s anti-Muslim comments shame Seminole
A few months ago, I wrote a column in the Orlando Sentinel about the disturbing resurgence of anti-Semitism in political discourse. I don’t know whether Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg read my column, but if he did, I’m certain he missed the point. On Saturday, Greenberg posted on his Facebook page: “Name just ONE society in the developed world that has benefited in ANY WAY from the introduction of more Muslims. Just one. Asking for a friend.”
When confronted about his hateful rhetoric, Greenberg attempted to deflect from the issue of his bigoted post by claiming he was attempting to start a conversation, and that he really was just “asking for a friend.” Unfortunately for the residents of Seminole County, this author included, Greenberg’s shameful, unrepentant hostility toward some of his own constituents is not new. He has repeatedly posted anti-Muslim material online, and when called out on it, he has refused to apologize or correct his actions.
In addition to displaying bigotry and ignorance, Greenberg also betrayed his position as an elected official of public trust. Surely Greenberg, as the tax collector, knows that Muslims open businesses in Seminole County. That Muslims employ people in Seminole County. That Muslims eat at restaurants, see movies, buy cars and homes in Seminole County. Surely, Greenberg knows that Muslims practice medicine, law, and accounting in Seminole County. Greenberg knows that Muslims contribute greatly to our society, so it’s fair for us to wonder, then, what he’s implying when he questions the value of an entire group of people.
In my role as director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, I am frequently called on to speak on behalf of the Jewish community. It’s tough — consensus can be difficult to find — but in this case, I can confidently say that Greenberg’s hateful rhetoric does not represent the Jewish community. The vast majority of Jews in Central Florida appreciate our Muslim brothers and sisters and value our shared American experience — which is why I was so disheartened to see both Greenberg’s comments and some of the responses he received.
In addition to the shameful nature of Greenberg’s attitude toward our Muslim friends and neighbors, I was disturbed to see several uses of anti-Semitism in responses, including one wellknown Muslim advocate who successfully called attention to the problem but then allowed the post to be a breeding ground for anti-Semitic rhetoric, forcing me to use valuable space in this column to defend Greenberg from these equally disgraceful attacks and remind everyone once again that there’s no place for antiSemitism — just like Islamophobia — in healthy, public discourse.
Lest I allowed Greenberg’s question to go unaddressed, I’d be happy to name one society which has benefited from Muslims. We’re living in it right now. The United States, and Florida, and Seminole County, all benefit from multiculturalism and religious pluralism, including Muslims.
The people of Seminole County deserve better than this. Greenberg’s actions are an embarrassment to the office he holds, and his attitude reflects poorly on the people who elected him and pay his $150,000 per year salary.
Joel Greenberg has chosen the type of person he wants to be.
What will the people of Seminole County choose to do about it?
Asking for a friend.