December 28, 2019 7:03 pm
Following a slew of anti-Semitic attacks in Crown Heights, New York City Bill de Blasio visited 770 Eastern Parkway and pledged more police presence. Activists asked to install surveillance cameras around the neighborhood.
By COLlive reporter
Photos: Sholem Srugo
New York City Bill de Blasio visited the Lubavitch Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights to pledge his commitment to battling the slew of anti-Semitic attacks in the neighborhood.
“In addition to heightened visibility, there will be increased visits to houses of worship and other critical areas in the community,” de Blasio promised before his press conference on Friday afternoon.
“Anti-Semitism is an attack on the values of our city — and we will confront it head-on,” he tweeted. “In light of recent anti-Semitic attacks, the NYPD will increase their presence in Boro Park, Crown Heights and Williamsburg. Anyone who terrorizes our Jewish community WILL face justice.”
The latest attack happened on Friday morning when a black man entered 770 Eastern Parkway and threatened to “shoot up the place.” Another happened on Thursday night when 3 Jewish girls were slapped on Kingston Avenue, as reported on COLlive.com.
“It seems like it’s open season on Jews in New York City,” said Councilmember Chaim Deutsch.
During the mayor’s visit, Chanina Sperlin and Eli Cohen of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council petitioned for the city to install surveillance cameras to help catch anti-Jewish attackers.
“Currently, we rely on the footage from cameras installed in private homes, some stores, 770, Jewish Children’s Museum and 1414 dormitory,” Sperlin told COLlive.com. “But there are still plenty of places that are in the dark. If something happens, we need footage of the suspects to help bring them to justice.”
He said the mayor was considering his request and that he is waiting to hear an answer in the affirmative.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who represents Crown Heights, said in a statement: “I am deeply appalled by the recent slew of anti-Semitic hate crimes in our city, especially during Hanukkah, the season of celebrating our light overcoming darkness. I am proud to serve a diverse community that has come together to rise in the face of hate and to protect and uplift our neighbors–that is the Brooklyn way.
“New York’s 9th Congressional District is home to some of America’s oldest Jewish communities and I will continue to fight to ensure their culture is respected and that their community is protected. Violence toward our Jewish community will not be tolerated under any circumstances. My office will continue to monitor and work with local officials and law enforcement to end this violence and acts of hatred and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
