Felder to Schumer, Hochul, Adams: STOP THE HATE ON CAMPUS

Brooklyn, NY — In response to the heightening surge in antisemitic incidents on college and university campuses across New York State, Senator Felder sent letters to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams demanding the immediate implementation of independent monitors at all institutions receiving City, State, or Federal funding.

 

Said Senator Felder, “The complete antipathy toward rising antisemitic incidents and the abject failure of college administrators to provide safety on their campuses is deeply concerning. By having independent oversight, we can take concrete steps to safeguard Jewish students and indeed all students by preventing the dangerous influence of terrorist organizations like Hamas in our educational institutions.”

 

Senator Felder’s call for independent monitors represents a common-sense approach to protecting students across New York State by ensuring that colleges and universities remain safe, inclusive and free from discrimination. Monitors provide a crucial layer of oversight and a clear way to implement rules and enforce laws so that antisemitic behavior is quickly and properly addressed.

 

Incidents of anti-Jewish harassment and violence have intensified following the October 7th attack in Israel by Hamas. A federally designated terrorist organization, Hamas is notorious for its violence, incitement and recruitment efforts, making it imperative for U.S. institutions to prevent any form of support or protection for its affiliates on American soil.

 

“Hamas just murdered 6 hostages including American hostage Hersh Polin-Goldberg. For nearly a year after blowing off his arm, they denied him medical treatment, starved, tortured and finally executed him with bullets to the back of the head. Instead of protecting American students, instead of providing a plan to make sure no more Americans are murdered, we are allowing Hamas supporters to harass, intimidate and threaten our students, incite violence against our citizens, recruit on our college campuses, and advocate for intifada terrorism on American soil. What on earth is going on?! These are not protected rights- this is illegal, it is dangerous, and it must be stopped immediately,” said Senator Felder.