Former Governor Andrew Cuomo made headlines over the holiday weekend with a passionate speech at the Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton in support of Israel and the fight against antisemitism. Known for hosting prominent political figures such as Mayor Eric Adams and Hillary Clinton, Rabbi Marc Schneier’s synagogue served as the backdrop for Cuomo’s address.
Cuomo, who is rumored to be considering a political comeback, founded the organization Never Again, Now! alongside Steven M. Cohen. The group has been actively running ads condemning the actions of terrorist group Hamas. During his speech, Cuomo condemned Hamas as a “genocidal terrorist organization” dedicated to eradicating the Jewish people.
Cuomo also addressed the growing concerns of antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in New York City. He highlighted the protests and encampments at institutions like NYU and Columbia, where Jewish students have faced harassment. Cuomo emphasized that such actions are not protected under the guise of free speech but should be classified as hate crimes.
The recent settlement of a lawsuit at NYU, which alleged the presence of antisemitism on campus, further underscored the need for proactive measures to address these issues. Cuomo called for a stronger response from law enforcement and criticized District Attorney Alvin Bragg for dropping charges against individuals involved in violent incidents at Columbia University.
Expressing concern over the reluctance of politicians to address the issue of rising antisemitism, Cuomo urged for swift and decisive action. He suggested the appointment of a special prosecutor to specifically handle cases related to hate crimes, emphasizing the importance of enforcing the law to prevent chaos and disorder.
In addition to his advocacy for legal intervention, Cuomo announced the launch of an educational campaign aimed at educating the public on the history of Israel and the ongoing conflict. He acknowledged the persistent nature of antisemitism and stressed the importance of remaining vigilant in combating it effectively.
Meanwhile, in East Hampton, residents organized a march to show solidarity and support for the return of hostages taken from Israel. The rally featured performances by rapper Kosha Dillz, who shared his music with attendees, including former US attorney general Michael Mukasey and Diva Moms co-founder Lyss Stern.
Michelle Ahdoot, from the organization End Jew Hatred, announced an upcoming event in LA with prominent figures such as dietician Tanya Zuckerbrot and entrepreneur Samantha Ettus. The event, which has already sold out, aims to raise awareness and mobilize support against antisemitism.
The events in the Hamptons over the holiday weekend highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat antisemitism. From political advocacy to community engagement, individuals and organizations alike are stepping up to address the growing concerns and ensure a future free of hatred and discrimination.
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