To Fight Antisemitism, Cuomo Says As Mayor the City Will Exercise Enforcement Over Human Rights Law Violations Even If DAs or Judges Will Not
Part of Multi-Pronged Plan to Combat Hate in NYC; Standing in Solidarity with Jewish Community, Cuomo Outlines Plan in Address at West Side Institutional Synagogue
This city must ensure our Jewish brothers and sisters feel safe on every street every day, every hour, – that must be the mandate.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, candidate for Mayor of New York City, today outlined his multi pronged plan to fight the rise of antisemitism. During a somber address at the West Side Institutional Synagogue, Governor Cuomo said he would have the city exercise its power to enforce me over violations of the human rights law, even if local district attorneys will not – and will make sure offenses are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.
The address comes on the heels of a dramatic and unacceptable spike in antisemitism and other hate crimes in New York City, especially since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
“This city must ensure our Jewish brothers and sisters feel safe on every street every day, every hour, – that must be the mandate. No one should feel they should take off their yarmulke to walk down the street. No one should feel the need to look over their shoulder leaving a synagogue,” Governor Cuomo said. “If you discriminate or harass an individual on the basis of their religion, or destroy property, that is illegal, and people must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No more slaps on the wrist, no more excuses.”
Additionally, Governor Cuomo said he would:
- Pass a law codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism into the City Human Rights Law.
- Seek adoption of an “unmasking law” to crack down on the type antisemitic crimes, such as harassment of Jewish New Yorkers and property damage by masked pro-Hamas protestors.
- Have the city school system adopt a curriculum that takes seriously the issue of antisemitism and other forms of bias.
Rabbi Daniel Sherman introduced Governor Cuomo to a congregation of 200 concerned residents in the Jewish community that came to hear his approach to save the city and tackle the ongoing public safety challenges.
As Governor, Andrew Cuomo championed a zero tolerance policy for antisemitism and other hate crimes. At his direction, his Administration launched the “No Hate in Our State” campaign in February 2020 to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate across New York State. This initiative increased funding for security measures in houses of worship, provided law enforcement training on responding to hate crimes, and pushed for legislative changes to strengthen penalties and improve data collection on these incidents.
Cuomo has received the endorsement of several prominent Jewish organizations and elected officials for his campaign, including the American Jewish Congress, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League Abe Foxman, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assembly Member David Weprin, Assembly Member Sam Berger, and Council Member Lynn Schulman.
Throughout his career in public service, Governor Cuomo has been a champion for working New Yorkers. He raised wages for millions, protected the right to organize when the Supreme Court tried to break the back of the labor movement, increased access to healthcare, enacted the nation's strongest paid family leave program and expanded apprenticeships, vocational training, and workforce development programs. He also advanced the most substantial infrastructure program in a generation, including the Second Avenue Subway, the Moynihan Train Hall and the new Kosciuszko Bridge and the new JFK and LaGuardia Airports – all major projects built with union labor with nation-leading utilization rates of minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs).
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