Bring back the mask ban in New York immediately!
A coalition of civil rights groups, religious leaders and lawmakers gathered on Thursday to insist on the reinstatement of the state’s mask ban as antisemitic attacks on Jews continue to rise, properties are vandalized, and chaos ensues — often with perpetrators masking their faces to avoid being identified.
However, Governor Hochul and legislators appear to be in no rush to take action.
The governor mentioned that she would address the issue but has not provided a timeline for enacting legislation.
Now.
Hochul and legislative leaders must convene a special session and urge lawmakers to return to Albany immediately to reinstate the ban.
“We will not tolerate individuals using masks to engage in criminal or threatening behavior,” Hochul stated firmly this month.
“This will be addressed.”
Good.
But when?
Is Hochul content with allowing troublemakers to continue their negative activities until at least next year when legislators reconvene in Albany — if even by then?
Manhattan’s pro-criminal District Attorney Alvin Bragg referenced masks concealing the identities of Columbia protesters as a reason for not pursuing most of them legally.
This approach only encourages more antisemitic crimes.
How many more individuals promoting hatred towards Jews will escape justice by hiding behind masks?
New York’s mask ban, which spanned 175 years, safeguarded people from masked assailants such as the KKK.
However, it vanished in 2020 in support of requiring their use by the government under the pretext of combating COVID.
Presently, even Anthony “I Am Science” Fauci acknowledges that masks offer little, if any, protection against the spread of the virus.
Nevertheless, antisemitic anti-Israel demonstrators have utilized masks and keffiyehs as a means to evade accountability for the crimes they commit.
Masks not only make them appear more menacing but also make it simpler for them to engage in criminal activities.
Delaying the restoration of the ban also benefits pro-criminal progressives, like Deputy State Senate Democratic Leader Mike Gianaris.
“I believe the governor is moving too quickly,” criticized Sen. Gianaris (D-Queens).
“I think it’s a very weighty proposition with various repercussions.”
Enough.
An appropriate mask ban can include exemptions for legitimate medical or religious reasons.
Moreover, it did not pose any issues in New York for almost two centuries.
Jewish individuals are currently facing targeting, harassment, and violence — often by masked individuals — today.
This behavior would not (and should not) be condoned if any other group were the victims.
Legislators must take action promptly before further harm is inflicted.
