Legislature, Human Rights Director Denounce Local Antisemitic Incidents

Legislature, Human Rights Director
Denounce Local Antisemitic Incidents

Monticello, NY – The Sullivan County Legislature and the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission join with the Sullivan County Coalition Against Antisemitism in condemning the assault on Orthodox Jewish pedestrians in Woodbourne and South Fallsburg.

According to media reports, the Town of Fallsburg Police Department is searching for those responsible for throwing eggs at people walking along Route 42 on Sunday. Though no one was injured, at least one of the incidents occurred in front of a synagogue, and all of the eggs were thrown at Orthodox Jews walking along the sidewalk.

Echoing a press release issued by the new Sullivan County Coalition Against Antisemitism, led by local attorney Jacob Billig, Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz denounced Sunday’s incidents.

“These assaults were clearly antisemitic in nature, inexcusable in every way, and instilled fear in the Orthodox Jewish community, whom we are proud to call neighbors,” Rajsz stated. “This Legislature will not minimize, nor stand for, such displays of hate in Sullivan County, and we fully support local law enforcement’s efforts to expose and prosecute the perpetrators.”

“As the Executive Director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission, I wish to unequivocally denounce these hateful actions,” added Ramone Wilson in a letter to Billig and the Coalition. “No one in our community should live in fear or be subjected to violence and harassment based on their faith. These violations of human dignity are wholly incompatible with the values we uphold as a County and as a Commission committed to justice, equality and respect for all.”

“We are intent on protecting the rights of all our citizens, including those who year after year spend their summers with us,” noted District 7 Legislator Joseph Perrello and District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, who represent the Fallsburg/Woodbourne area on the Legislature. “We want our communities to be peaceful and welcoming, and we will continue to work with the Jewish community to ensure they feel safe and cared for wherever they are in Sullivan County.”