Letters call for an end to masked protesting in NY and the US

The Issue: Reports of antisemitism perpetrated by masked protesters in New York and nationwide.

Recent reports have shown instances of antisemitism committed by masked protesters in New York and across the country. The New York Post has highlighted the concerning parallels between the current situation and the atrocities of Nazi Germany, particularly in relation to the act of wearing masks (“Call to outlaw masked protest,” June 14).

It is important to note a critical difference between then and now. Unlike the past, Jewish communities in the United States are now protected by law enforcement rather than being persecuted by them.

The rise of antisemitism in Nazi Germany and the complicity of the police are in stark contrast to the current reality. Historically, law enforcement in Germany suppressed dissent, enforced discriminatory laws, and facilitated the persecution of Jews. Today, police in the United States fulfill their duty to safeguard Jewish citizens and communities from such atrocities.

While it is acknowledged that the police force is not uniform and may have individuals who behave improperly, overall, they work diligently to protect the diverse communities that make up American society, including the Jewish community.

Todd L. Pittinsky

Port Jefferson

A previous New York law prohibiting group mask-wearing needs to be reinstated. The defacement of homes owned by Jewish individuals is a distressing occurrence that should not be considered a form of protest but rather vandalism.

One may question whether similar acts were committed in Nazi Germany or by the KKK in the past. Those engaging in hate and antisemitic acts must be held accountable and arrested.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Bellerose

Mayor Adams attending pro-Israel rallies is commendable, but more proactive measures are needed. Collaborating with the police commissioner to establish a citywide task force equipped to handle any mob that terrorizes a community is essential. As a former NYPD captain, Mayor Adams should be aware of the tools available to address such issues promptly.

It is unrealistic to expect assistance from the federal government, so local authorities must take swift action to prevent and address incidents of hate and antisemitism in the city.

Nicholas Maffei

Yonkers

Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul should jointly advocate for the reintroduction of New York’s 200-year-old mask law that was repealed during the COVID-19 pandemic (“Ban Masked Protests Now,” Editorial, June 14).

It should not take a tragic event akin to Kristallnacht for politicians to recognize and address the brewing issues in the diverse and cosmopolitan city of New York since Oct. 7.

James Hyland

Beechhurst

The uncontrolled anti-Israel demonstrations underscore the need for stricter regulations. While Jewish leaders propose a ban on mask-wearing, they should also consider adopting hate-speech laws similar to those in the United Kingdom.

Hate speech often precedes hate crimes and infringes on civil discourse protected under the First Amendment. Social media platforms have measures to address hate speech, and similar regulations should be enforced in public spaces.

Mayor Adams expressed horror at recent antisemitic incidents, emphasizing the necessity for laws that safeguard all individuals from hateful rhetoric.

Phil Serpico

Queens

Following Germany’s example, it is proposed that the United States outlaw antisemitism and hate symbols to prevent such incidents.

Rob Spieler

Sharon Springs

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