There’s a good chance the boycott that took place outside of the Trails End Deli in Verplanck Saturday won’t be the last, according to organizers.
“This isn’t about race,” Laurie Lyford said as she handed out flyers across the street from the deli. “It’s not fair for someone to come from another country, have a business in our country, take our money, disrespect us, mock our religion, say you hate the United States, and record people without their knowledge.”
Lyford was one of about a half-a-dozen people who stood across the street from the store Saturday morning. A photo of the flyer that was handed out is attached to this story.
The deli has been a growing source of controversy in the hamlet over videos and pictures featuring one of the store’s workers.
The 20-year-old Ammran Morshed, whose family owns the establishment, is shown in a YouTube video taken five years talking to two customers sitting in a car outside the deli. The customers use profane language and spout anti-American rhetoric during the clip.
Here's a link to another YouTube video where, no anti-American language is used, but the video does show Morshed getting in a verbal dispute with at least one customer
A Facebook group called “Boycott Anti-American Trails End Deli, Verplanck, NY” has already sprung up and has nearly 1,800 members. Although no threats of physical harm have been made to workers at the store, a number comments can be found from people expressing outrage.
Morshed apologized for the video and said it was taken five years ago. The Facebook group also has also posted what appears to be pictures of Morshed holding firearms, including one photo where there appears to be playground in the background. It’s not clear where those pictures were taken.
Lyford said she isn’t moved by Morshed’s apology.
“That was just to save the business or to save embarrassment,” Lyford said. “That was not a true apology. You can hear someone in the background telling him what to say.”
Lyford said her group will try and pressure the store for as long as it takes.
Check back for more updates on this story as they become available.
