BY MOSHE HILL COMMUNITY CORNER SEPTEMBER 18 2024
Standing outside the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC), Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin announced the formation of an Anti-Semitism Task Force to confront the rising tide of hate. Clavin, along with rabbinical leaders and advocates from across the community, unveiled this initiative against a backdrop of alarming statistics and recent acts of anti-Semitic violence.
At a time when anti-Semitic incidents are shattering records nationwide, the creation of this task force couldn’t be more urgent – or more personal. The Town of Hempstead, home to the second largest Jewish population in the United States, has seen a disturbing rise in hateful acts. From anti-Semitic graffiti in East Meadow to targeted mail sent to a town official, it’s clear that this community is under threat. The message from town leaders, however, is equally clear: Hate has no home here.
Supervisor Clavin was joined by political leadership. Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Councilwoman Melissa “Missy” Miller, Assemblyman Ari Brown, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Councilman Chris Schneider, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick all stood in support of this crucial task force.
Supervisor Clavin and the assembled leaders emphasized that this task force is about more than responding to hate after it occurs. “The Town of Hempstead has a zero-tolerance policy against hate and intolerance of all kinds,” said Clavin. “We are quick to publicly denounce any and all acts of intolerance within our township; however, there is a growing trend of anti-Semitism ramping up through the nation. It is our responsibility to be proactive against this disturbing trend, and the creation of an Anti-Semitism Task Force is the first step towards making this defense a reality.”
This is a proactive effort. By working closely with schools, law enforcement, and local organizations, the task force aims to stamp out Anti-Semitism at its roots. Education, outreach, and security enhancement will form the pillars of this initiative, from Holocaust education programs to interfaith efforts to promote tolerance across all communities.
Rabbinical and other faith leaders showed their support for this, as well. Rabbi Axelrod (Young Israel of Woodmere), Rabbi Torczyner (Congregation Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park), Avi Posnick (Exec Director of StandWithUs), Rabbi Hazan (Principal of HANC), Rabbi Wolowik (Chabad of the Five Towns), Reverend Eric Mallette (Greater Second Baptist Church, Freeport), Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky (Yeshiva of South Shore) all recognized the reality that the Jewish community faces.
The statistics paint a stark picture. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 140% surge in anti-Semitic incidents in 2023 alone. Bomb threats and attacks on Jewish institutions have skyrocketed. This isn’t just a problem in faraway places – it’s happening right here in Hempstead.
For many in the town, the recent uptick in hate crimes brings back painful memories, while also underscoring a growing fear about the future. The town’s leadership is keenly aware of these anxieties. Clavin’s call for the task force was joined by representatives from the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, the American Jewish Committee, and other prominent advocacy groups, who hailed this move as a critical step toward addressing the crisis.
In recent months, anti-Semitism has manifested in multiple insidious forms. A planned mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York City, defaced synagogue signs, and anti-Semitic rants hurled at Jewish residents all send the same chilling message: Intolerance is spreading. But with the new task force, Hempstead is sending its own message – one of zero tolerance for hate.
Beyond the immediate impact, the task force also reflects a broader shift in how local governments are tackling hate speech and violence. By adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of anti-Semitism, the town has equipped itself with a powerful tool to better identify and combat this specific form of bigotry. The town was also a regional pioneer in passing legislation against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, further demonstrating its commitment to protecting the Jewish community.
For Lisa Katz, Founder and President of Combat Antisemitism, Hempstead’s action sets a high bar for other municipalities. “By doing so, it set a powerful example for how local governments can make a tangible impact in safeguarding and nurturing Jewish life,” she said.
As the Jewish community prepares to observe the High Holidays, the task force announcement offers some reassurance. In an era of heightened anxiety and growing hostility, knowing that local leaders stand firmly against anti-Semitism offers a crucial sense of safety. But more than that, it signals a community that is united not just against hate, but for respect, tolerance, and understanding.
The formation of this task force may be one of many steps, but it’s an essential one. The fight against anti-Semitism requires vigilance, education, and collaboration. By launching this initiative, Hempstead isn’t just reacting to the problem; it’s taking a stand and leading the way for other communities to follow. As Clavin so aptly put it, “hate and intolerance of all kinds” have no place in Hempstead, and this task force is here to ensure that it stays that way
