Senator Rhoads Stands Up to Hate and Condemns Antisemitic Images Found at School in Merrick

Given the recent hateful displays of antisemitic images at the Chatterton School in Merrick, we must stand together and firmly condemn antisemitism in all its forms. I want to thank Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and the entire Nassau County Police Department for their swift response to addressing the situation in Merrick. I have been in contact with Merrick Schools, Merrick faith leaders, and the Nassau County Police Department to lend my full support and assistance. I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and recognize that antisemitism has no place in our society. Hateful actions like this and the one in Plainview last month prove that antisemitism is unfortunately still prevalent today and that it must be actively challenged and rejected. I am committed to taking a stand against antisemitism and creating a society in which Jewish people can feel safe, secure, and accepted. I look forward to working together with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure that antisemitism is not tolerated within our communities. New York State must act to make hate crimes bail eligible and create immediate consequences for those who violate the law. I stand with the Jewish community and pledge to do everything in my power to make sure that hateful actions like these get investigated fully and actions are taken to combat hate and intolerance in our community.