Malliotakis, Yeger: We Will Not Tolerate Antisemitism in New York City

Press Release

(BROOKLYN, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined City Councilman Kalman Yeger, students and school administrators from Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School in Brooklyn, and civic leaders from the Jewish community in speaking out against the unacceptable rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes in New York City.

"It speaks volumes that we're here - Democrat and Republican - to talk about this issue because it is incredibly important to the fabric of this community, and the fabric of our entire city and nation," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. "Unfortunately, here in New York City, we have seen hate crimes double over the last year. When you look at the last month compared to the same period in 2020, hate crimes have quadrupled. Those who believe they can attack individuals because of their race, religion or identity, are mistaken. We're here today to vociferously, unequivocally condemn these acts against our friends and our neighbors. We will not tolerate this in New York City and we will continue to speak out to fight these horrible crimes that are happening across our city."

"What we've seen in our community, in places all across the city, New York State and the United States of America, is antisemitism," said City Councilman Kalman Yeger. "There are a number of reasons why we should gather together at a place like this to condemn it. First of all, the children who are here are the children and grandchildren of generations of people who have destined to be destroyed by the forces of antisemitism, and yet we're thriving and we're not going anywhere. Antisemitism is the oldest form of bigotry and it has to end."

We cannot allow acts of anti-Semitism or hate of any kind to go unchallenged," said State Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein who could not attend but issued a statement from Albany. "Silence is not an option. We must speak out against antisemitism of all forms and hold accountable those who continue to express their hatred of the Jewish community. That's precisely why I have introduced legislation restoring judges' discretion for perpetrators of hate crimes."

"One of the real necessities of being able to learn is to be able to feel safe and feel supported," said the Principal Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School. "We try and do that every day in our school building, but it's really important to know that we have that support from our local and federal government. It means all the difference in the world for us."

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