Cuomo: New York Must Stand Against Antisemitism and Support Gov. Hochul’s “Unmasking Law”
Below is a Statement from Andrew M. Cuomo, the 56th Governor of the State of New York:
“It has become increasingly common for anti-Israel protesters to emulate the way the Hamas terrorists dressed during the horrific October 7th attacks — complete with face masks.
Not only is it offensive, but it is also an attempt to hide their identity during protests that can and have devolved into illegal activity. During these protests, Jewish New Yorkers have been harassed and property has been destroyed.
That’s why it’s important for New Yorkers to stand against antisemitism and support Governor Kathy Hochul’s push for an unmasking law.
Organized efforts, such as those by the Democratic Socialists of America, are aggressively attacking Israel and the Jewish community. For example, the DSA charter calls upon politicians to boycott, disinvest and sanction Israel. They go so far as to prohibit politicians from visiting Israel.
Unfortunately, many elected ‘leaders’ have either been cowed by these tactics or openly embraced them.
For example, Socialist Zohran Mamdani has been endorsed by the DSA, which has called for cutting off U.S. military aid to Israel, and proudly supports the BDS movement.
City Comptroller Brad Lander has used his position to actively divest from Israel by breaking a long standing policy of investing in Israel bonds. The current speaker of the New York City Council, Adrienne Adams, who’s been in that position for four years, is the first speaker in history to never visit Israel, while former Comptroller Scott Stringer ran for office arm-in-arm with DSA candidates.
I vehemently disagree with these positions and actions.
To be clear, those who choose to peacefully protest must also be protected. However, no one has the right to break the law.
Passing Governor Hochul’s unmasking bill would be a welcome sign that New York intends to enforce the law and is protecting all of its citizens.”
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