While the number of horrors in this moment can be overwhelming, it seems important that SURJ NYC explicitly condemn the Islamophobic white supremacist agitator and cronies who protested last weekend at Gracie Mansion spewing anti-Muslim hate. Our mayor and the Muslim community have been contending with an increase in anti-Muslim hate speech and threats. We strongly condemn this.
Unfortunately, most of the press has focused on the two teenagers from Pennsylvania who were reacting to that anti-Muslim hate message with violence.
I do not agree with the white supremacist protesters but I defend their right to protest. But violence will not be tolerated.
Meanwhile just days before, our friends at JFREJ and many others pushed back on the "buffer zone" bills, which were introduced under the auspices of fighting antisemitism and would have limited First Amendment rights within 25 feet of all religious institutions and healthcare facilities. We cannot, in our deep-blue NY State, accept anything less than full protections for rights to free speech and free assembly; we also know that limiting these rights does not make Jews or anyone else safer.
These issues will continue and we must be clear eyed and careful in thinking through and defending our beautiful diverse city.
In solidarity,
SURJ NYC