Even before the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th of last year, the New York State Republican Senate Minority created an “antisemitism working group” with the goal of collecting a report on rampant discrimination and attacks on Jews across New York State.
After hosting two roundtable meetings, the working group released its final report on the rising tide of antisemitism across the Empire State.
“I am disgusted by the recent increase of anti-Semitic hatred that we have seen in New York. The idea that any citizen should feel threatened on the basis of their deeply held religious beliefs is sickening. Together with the other members of the working group, we have put forth necessary legislation that would ensure that our Jewish brothers and sisters no longer have to live in fear,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 9th Senate District.
The report calls for a dedicated funding stream to secure synagogues and yeshivas. Specific legislation is also enacts the “New York State Anti Semitism Vandalism Act” being recommended, including:
Blocks funding for SUNY, CUNY or community colleges which, directly or indirectly, permit terrorist organizations on campus.
Makes a specified offense or a trespass at a house of worship a hate crime
Prohibits students from receiving TAP financial aid for college if they engage in antisemitic behavior.
Enhances penalties for those who obstruct traffic and access to buildings during protests and allow for it to qualify as a hate crime.
Expands the prohibition of harassing conduct involving Nazi symbols.
Enacts the “New York State Anti Semitism Vandalism Act.” This makes it a crime to destroy or vandalize pro-Israeli flyers, banners, or posters.
Bans students from enrolling in or taking classes at any SUNY or CUNY school if they’ve been convicted of a hate crime.
Adds antisemitism to the definition within the State Human Rights Law.
“This report is just the beginning of our attempt to address this hate-crime in meaningful, and thoughtful ways. If this report has proven anything it is that New York must do more to combat antisemitism. We all have a role to play. We must address higher educational institutions weeding out hate speech, the media reporting these crimes and our elected officials, in all levels of government, should put partisanship aside and pass laws to end this crime. It is essential that we do our part,,” said NYS Senator Jack Martins, Chair of the Antisemitism Working Group.
Republican State Senators sent a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to encourage Democratic colleagues in the Assembly and Senate to pass the proposed legislation and spending initiatives.
“New York is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and it is incumbent upon us to take action to ensure nobody is ever made to feel unsafe because of their religion. I want to thank the members of the working group, as well as the stakeholders throughout the state who offered their input, for their work on this issue. The report outlines a comprehensive approach to battle antisemitism at all levels, and I hope our colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor will join us,” concluded Senate Republican Minority Leader Rob Ortt.