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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCJW Responds to Anti-Semitic Attacks in New York

December 29, 2019 — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is alarmed by the increase of violent hate crimes targeting the Jewish community in New York. The following is a joint statement from NCJW and NCJW’s New York sections (New York, Brooklyn, Rockland County, Lakeville, Peninsula, South Shore, Westbury, Greater Rochester, and Greater Syracuse) as shared by NCJW CEO Sheila Katz:

“In the last week, over what should be the joyous days of Chanukah, New York has seen as many as nine violent anti-Semitic attacks on the Jewish community, including last night’s horrific attack in a rabbi’s home in Monsey. Any incident is one too many, particularly as we celebrate Chanukah and our freedom from religious persecution. We’re heartbroken for the victims and the larger New York Jewish community, and we are resolved in our commitment to call out and address the disturbing trend of rising anti-Semitism and hate that these attacks are part of.

Nobody should be targeted for their religious beliefs. Nobody should live in fear that they will be a victim of a hate crime. In a state as vibrant and diverse as New York, there’s more than enough room for people of all cultures and faiths. There’s no room for hate and anti-Semitism.

We appreciate the swift condemnation of the attacks by New York City and state law enforcement and government officials, and we challenge them to do more to keep the Jewish population, and all vulnerable minorities, safe from harm. Hate must not only be condemned – it must be confronted. Lives are at stake.

Addressing anti-Semitism isn’t a short term challenge, yet much can and must be done to stem the current crisis. We call on state lawmakers to update and expand the New York State Hate Crimes law to ensure robust protection. Congress should pass the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act (HR 3545/S 2043), which would tie hate crime reporting and training to federal grants, incentivizing data collection. And, we must all commit to building a culture rooted in respect and empathy. The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will continue to work in New York, Congress, and across the country to ensure nothing less.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.