Mohawk Valley Times

Senator Peter Oberacker, alongside members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference Antisemitism Working Group, has urged Albany to prioritize legislation aimed at combating antisemitism in the state. In a press release today, Senator Oberacker emphasized the importance of taking decisive action to address the increasing instances of antisemitic acts in New York.

Senator Oberacker highlighted the collaborative effort with the Jewish community in developing legislative recommendations to tackle antisemitism. He stated, “Working together, we have developed true solutions. Now it is time for Albany to make these bills an immediate priority to ensure no one comes under attack because of their faith or religion.”

The Antisemitism Working Group proposed five priority legislative initiatives to be included in the state budget. These initiatives aim to define antisemitism within the state human rights law, prohibit antisemitic behavior among students receiving financial aid, implement antisemitism awareness and prevention training in colleges, establish the crime of vandalism of pro-Israel print, and expand the prohibition of harassing conduct involving Nazi symbols.

Senator Oberacker emphasized the need for these initiatives to be incorporated into the state budget, stating, “Let’s show New Yorkers, especially those of the Jewish faith, that ending Antisemitism is a priority by adding these bills to the state budget.”

The efforts of the New York State Senate Republican Antisemitism Working Group, which included roundtable events involving community stakeholders, aim to address the concerning rise in antisemitic incidents within the state. The group's recommendations seek to combat antisemitism through legislative measures that prioritize the protection of individuals from acts of hate and violence.

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