It is imperative for New York to immediately ban the practice of masking at protests.

New York needs to reinstate its “no masked demonstrations” law immediately — not delay while antisemitic individuals run rampant.

State Attorney General Tish James, who advocated for the repeal of the state’s mask ban during the COVID pandemic, should now be leading the effort to bring it back.

Prior to the adjournment of state lawmakers for the year, Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-SI) proposed for the Legislature to follow the lead of 16 other states in prohibiting “deceptive” masks or other face coverings, but the Democratic majority in Albany did not address the issue.

Despite the commonplace use of masks at “pro-Palestine” protests, where keffiyeh wearers use it for identity concealment, mimicking Antifa members who have joined this leftist cause, the topic was neglected.

Perhaps the leaders of the Legislature assumed the matter would fade away as college students returned home, but the local protests have escalated more — becoming more menacing, as seen in the subway incident demanding Zionists to leave, and more overtly antisemitic with the individual at the “Long live October 7th” rally expressing “I wish Hitler was still here.”

Masking empowers the “demonstrators” and instills fear in others; which is why the Ku Klux Klan used masks and why numerous states prohibited it in response.

Today’s masked protesters are just as repugnant as the Klan.

Some argue that wearing masks is to avoid being identified over their activism, but there is no constitutional right to protest anonymously.

No, it is all about intimidation; a permit to intimidate, and even commit violent acts.

New York’s anti-mask law had been in place for over two centuries, until James supported the removal of it alongside ACLU extremists, using COVID as an excuse.

However, the misuse of masks is now akin to the KKK: James must change course — especially if she aspires to higher office.

Gov. Hochul indicates she will consider reinstating New York’s mask ban, but that is insufficient.

She must align with Mayor Adams in advocating for it — and convene a special session of the Legislature to enact it.

If state lawmakers resist, well: They are all facing reelection in November.

Voters can and should monitor which politicians are insistent on defending the modern equivalent of the Klan.