The Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud HaRabbonim, with a membership of over 950 Orthodox Rabbis across the United States – calls for immediate and urgent law enforcement action against the alarmingly growing trend of anti-Semitic assaults in New York City. On Monday morning, six elderly Jewish men on their way to synagogue in Williamsburg were viciously attacked. Other sections of Brooklyn have also seen an uptick in anti-Semitic attacks, including Crown Heights. New York must guarantee the safety of its residents and cannot allow this trend to grow into an epidemic causing Jews to fear walking the streets of the city.
In a statement released by his office, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an important directive regarding the latest attack and a commentary on the necessary direction. In the statement, Governor Cuomo says, “I am sickened by Monday’s series of assaults on Hasidic Jews in Williamsburg. In New York, we have absolutely zero tolerance for such heinous acts; they are completely unacceptable and are repugnant to our values of diversity and inclusion.”
“I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to immediately provide the NYPD with any resources needed to assist in the investigation of this incident and to ensure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” continued the governor.
“Anti-Semitism is a growing cancer that has been injected into the nation’s body but in New York we will continue to stand united and with one voice condemn any and all acts of hatred and intolerance.”
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, stated, “On behalf of our member rabbis, we applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo’s condemnation of the anti-Semitic attacks that sadly occurred in Brooklyn. It takes leadership, courage and cooperation in order to defeat the epidemic and scourge of anti-Semitism, hate and bigotry plaguing our nation. Different branches of the government and law enforcement need to work together to ensure the city remains safe for all its residents. We pray that the Almighty grant law enforcement and political leadership the ability to make this world a better place through the complete eradication of anti-Semitism, hate and bigotry.”
May He who makes peace in Heaven make peace on earth. We pray that the world should no longer know of the evil of anti-Semitism, hate and bigotry.