Rockland Reporter

Mar 27 2024

The Senate Republican Antisemitism Working Group released its report for the years 2023-2024, addressing the concerning rise in anti-Jewish sentiment and hate crimes in New York State. The group's efforts were highlighted in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attacks in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of their mission.

Senator Jack Martins, Chair of the working group, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "New York State has the largest Jewish population in the United States and we have seen a dramatic rise in antisemitic hate crimes across the state." This sentiment was echoed by the group's members, including Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Senator Joseph Griffo, Senator Peter Oberacker, and Senator Bill Weber, who all played key roles in addressing this pressing issue.

The group's initiatives included holding multiple meetings with stakeholders and conducting two roundtable hearings in Rockland County and Nassau County. These efforts aimed to shed light on the growing trend of anti-Jewish attacks in New York State, a state that was traditionally known for its tolerance and diversity.

As Senator Martins pointed out, "What we knew at that time was already unsettling." The stark reality revealed that in 2022 alone, New York City witnessed 263 anti-Semitic attacks, more than double the number of previous years. This alarming statistic underscored the nationwide problem of rising anti-Jewish sentiment, which had been largely overlooked by elected officials.

The report of the Antisemitism Working Group serves as a call to action for lawmakers and communities to address and combat the surge in hate crimes targeting the Jewish population in New York State.