JERSEY CITY — Officials barred journalists who attended an event at Jersey City Hall on Wednesday from recording audio or video, or posting about the event on social media, whether on personal accounts or those of their news outlets.
A photojournalist was also told he could not take pictures of police in the foyer of City Hall. When he did so, he was told he would not be allowed back to photograph events.
The event, a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Israel, was organized by Jersey City and the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs to celebrate 77 years of Israel’s independence. It was widely promoted on Jersey City’s official websites and social media pages, and the public was encouraged to attend.
Mayor Steve Fulop, who is running for governor in the Democratic primary, spoke at the event and handed out certificates. Event sponsors included the Israeli American Council, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Jersey City Jewish Association. The event was held in the City Hall council chambers.
Photojournalist Andres Kudacki went to the event to take photos for The Jersey Vindicator after reading about it on social media. When he arrived outside City Hall, he was told by Fulop’s press secretary, Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, that it was an invite-only event and that the media outlet never confirmed attendance. It wasn’t clear what Wallace-Scalcione meant by invite only — whether she was talking about the press or the public, given that the event was promoted widely online.
“I don’t even have to let you in,” she said. “You guys never told me you were coming. It’s invite-only. I’m doing a favor because you are here, and I feel bad.”…