South Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) spoke with the 101 Precinct and local security officials to discuss heightened security for the Jewish community in regards to the upcoming Jewish holidays. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the two most holy and sacred holidays in the Jewish faith, have in previous years had a clear and present police presence, and this year will be no different.

Over the past few years, the trend of anti-Semitic attacks has spiked. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there was a 34% increase in 2021, in comparison to the previous year. It was also reported that this is the highest level of tracking and reports in more than 40 years. Recently in Far Rockaway, a Jewish man was attacked and had anti-Semitic words shouted at him, to which the NYPD responded swiftly and effectively. “This was a deplorable act of hate that will not be ignored. I am thankful for the NYPD and their immediate action, and also to the Queens District Attorney who will be prosecuting this man for a hate crime,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. The Assemblywoman continued with, “Let me say it loudly so everyone hears it, hate and intolerance is not accepted in this community and those that act this way will be held accountable to the highest level.”

“As Jewish people across the world go to Synagogue, it is important that they feel safe and secure - because we all deserve that right in our houses of worship,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “I have spoken with Captain Shultz and pressed the importance of extra patrol in the Jewish neighborhoods during this period. I am confident in the NYPD’s ability to keep all of our communities and families safe and I am thankful for their partnership,” the Assemblywoman said.