Long Island County Leaders Form Task Force to Fight Anti-Semitism

Leaders from two counties in Long Island, NY announced on Dec. 9 that they are launching a task force to fight anti-Semitism.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and staff members of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) of Nassau County announced to reporters that the task force will collaborate with law enforcement and engaging in efforts to educate the populace about anti-Semitism.

“This bi-county coalition will work to educate our communities about the negative impacts of anti-Semitism and hatred as well as stress the value of the diversity of our population,” Curran said.

Today I joined @SteveBellone, @HolocaustTolCtr, public officials, religious & community leaders to announce an Island-Wide anti-hate task force.

Together we'll work with law enforcement to combat hate crimes & collaborate with community groups to educate and spread our message. pic.twitter.com/8pBzSrsYQr

— Laura Curran (@LauraCurran516) December 9, 2019

The announcement of the task force comes after two swastikas were found spray-painted on the HTMC on Dec. 6. In November, racial slurs were spray-painted on the HTMC.

“Graffiti may seem innocuous and harmless, but history has taught us that such innocuous and harmless expressions of hate can lead to much worse,” HTMC Executive Director Steven Markowitz said.

The task force is still in the planning stages; more details will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Anti-Defamation League New York and New Jersey tweeted, “We are glad that our Associate Regional Director @RichardPriem could be part of this important announcement. We look forward to our continued work with @NassauExecutive Laura Curran, Suffolk Executive @SteveBellone and the @HolocaustTolCtr to fight bias and hate on #LongIsland.”

We are glad that our Associate Regional Director @RichardPriem could be part of this important announcement. We look forward to our continued work with @NassauExecutive Laura Curran, Suffolk Executive @SteveBellone and the @HolocaustTolCtr to fight bias and hate on #LongIsland. https://t.co/SOCMaOxvae

— ADL New York / New Jersey (@ADL_NYNJ) December 9, 2019