An anti-Semitic and sexually explicit note reportedly was left on the door of New York Democratic Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright’s Manhattan office on Aug. 11.
The New York Daily News reported that the note read, “Rabbi pays c—sucking Rebecca in cash and kind.” White paint also was splattered on the outside of the office.
Earlier today the office of State Assembly member Rebecca Seawright was vandalized with paint and a note containing antisemitic language and obscenities was left. #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/IRF4UDXRV6
— Samantha Liebman (@SamiLiebman) August 11, 2020
Seawright said in a statement, “We will never be intimidated by this criminal act. We have called for a hate crimes investigation. We stand before you today to denounce this disgraceful and hateful crime. We will remain vigilant.”
Seawright statement on the attach of her district office— “We will never be intimidated by this criminal act…” pic.twitter.com/ycAZK6ySre
— Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) August 11, 2020
New York Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also denounced the note and vandalism in a statement.
“These actions are completely unacceptable and un-American,” he said. “The Assembly Majority condemns this disgraceful behavior and will continue to work to ensure New York remains inclusive and welcoming for all.”
Democratic Assemblymember Sean Ryan also tweeted, “Very sorry to see this happened at the office of my colleague Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright. There is absolutely no place in New York for anti-Semitism.”
Very sorry to see this happened at the office of my colleague Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright.
There is absolutely no place in New York for anti-Semitism. https://t.co/PoaqMPbpNp
— Senator Sean Ryan (@SenSeanRyan) August 11, 2020
The City of New York Community Board 8 (CB8) Manhattan, an agency that helps resolve municipal delivery service complaints, similarly condemned in a statement what happened to Seawright’s office.
“CB8 deplores the rise in anti-Semitism spreading across this City and our country,” the statement read. “New York City’s religious, ethnic, racial, economic, and age diversity should lead to tolerance, mutual respect, and concern for each other’s well-being. New York City has no place for hatred and intolerance.”
The statement concluded: “We stand firmly with Assembly Member Seawright in condemning all forms of anti-Semitism.”
Chair Alida Camp issues Statement on Hate-Motivated Vandalism on the Office of Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright pic.twitter.com/Ywh1A5SNhB
— Community Board 8 Manhattan (@CB8M) August 11, 2020
Seawright had hosted a virtual town hall on anti-Semitism in July as well as in 2019.
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