New York must fight to end anti-Semitism in our schools: “The Crisis is Reality.”

More than 500 days have passed since Hamas' cruel attack on October 7th. This is the most deadly attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Over 500 days of praise from certain politicians. Over 500 days of sky words. Yet, hatred towards the Jews has not diminished. It's exploding. In New York, home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, Jewish students are not only unwelcome, but they are not safe.

New York Jewish students are under siege. Numbers don't lie:

72% of Jewish students feel unwelcome on campus. 52% experience anti-Semitism personally in schools.

This crisis is genuine and exacerbated. The report places New York in the campus anti-Semitism “Hall of Shame.” Institutions such as Cornell, Columbia, New Schools, and NYU have obtained unsuccessful grades in handling attacks on Jews. Schools at New York City (CUNY) and the State University of New York (SUNY) are also plagued by repeated incidents of anti-Semitic harassment. It's beyond unacceptable – it's dishonor.

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Let's be clear. Free speech does not mean a free rein that terrifies Jewish students. At Bernard College, we witnessed disruptions in pro-Palestinian classrooms, protesters stormed campus, injured school employees, and escalated tensions beyond control. These individuals did not express their opinions. They made it impossible for Jewish students to learn safely.

Students have the right to protest. They have no right to direct property, threaten classmates, or spread violent hatred. If we cross the line from protest to persecution, an appropriate response is not a warning. It's expulsion. Statements like Florida and Texas are taking bold actions, but New York's leadership lies on the wheel. Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Schumer, Gov. Kathy Hawtle and Mayor Eric Adams gave the same tired speech, denounced hatred in a press release and did nothing. Jewish students are still harassed, assaulted and silent. New York Democratic leaders take Jewish votes for granted, but they shouldn't. They allowed this crisis to fester under their watch.

As a proud Jewish-American lawmaker and a member of the Jewish Legislator Caucus in the New York State Legislator, I refuse to wait while our students are forced to live in fear. The fight against anti-Semitism is not about politics. It's about moral clarity. That's why I'm taking action.

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During a commemorative vigil for the Israelites killed by Hamas during the October 7 attack in New York City on November 1, 2023, a woman holds a poster of the Israelite Omer Nutra. (Angelawice/AFP via Getty Images)

I introduced the United Abu Abu Hate Act, a bold, common sense plan to combat anti-Semitism through education, consciousness and action. My bill includes:

“New York Stands With Israel” License Plate – Allows New Yorkers to proudly display their support while funding hostage rescue efforts. Statewide High School Art Competition – Teach students about the reality of October 7th through the dangers and creative expression of anti-Semitism.

This is not just about policy. It is for the next generation to understand that Jewish hatred is not an abstract concept. It is realistic and current danger.

While New York's Democratic leaders offer lip service, President Donald Trump was America's most powerful advocate for Jewish students. His administration took real action against campus anti-Semitism when others offered nothing but empty words. President Trump's executive order on the fight against anti-Semitism allowed the Department of Education to hold universities accountable under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. With this order, the federal government has launched an investigation into five universities where anti-Semitic harassment is rampant. That's what true leadership looks like. And that's the standard we should demand.

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Protesters will hold a demonstration in New York City on February 2, 2024 near Columbia University. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

History judges us by what we are doing at this point. While our hatred towards Jews is not checked, will we take bold action to stop it?

Jewish students do not need to hide their identities to feel safe in school. They don't have to wonder whether a professor, classmate or administrator will advocate for their rights. And while politicians offer nothing but empty statements, they certainly should not be left to dodge for themselves. If schools or universities refuse to act, we must be accountable to them. If they tolerate anti-Semitism, they should receive a plain and simple refund.

This is a test of moral clarity. I know where I stand. Where do New York leaders stand?