New York Senate Republicans consider ways to combat anti-Semitism

Republicans in the New York state Senate on Tuesday formed a working group to consider ways of combatting anti-Semitism in New York. 

The panel will be chaired by Long Island Republican Sen. Jack Martins and includes Sens. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Joseph Griffo, Peter Oberacker and Bill Weber. 

“Anti-Semitism is a continuing and growing scourge on today’s society. We must all do our part as New Yorkers to fight hate in all forms," Martins said. "Through this working group, I look forward to working with communities across the state to gather information and develop policies to ensure that all communities are safe and no one is threatened or persecuted for their religious beliefs."

The working group is being tasked with developing recommendations to address a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in New York. Roundtable events will be held in New York to hear from community members on the issue as well. 

Republicans pointed to a a report by the  Anti-Defamation League that found anti-Semitic incidents in the country have reached an all-time high. 

“We continue to see an alarming rise in anti-semitic hate crimes here in New York. These types of violence have no place in our state and nation – no innocent, law-abiding New Yorker should ever feel threatened, especially on the basis of their faith," Ortt said. "The Senate Republican Conference is committed to restoring public safety, and protecting our Jewish brothers and sisters from hateful acts of violence. This working group will gather information and formulate solutions on how the Legislature can best reverse this rising trend, and I look forward to their report."