Prosecuting the Hate Crime Caused by Anti-Semitic Rhetoric

It was reported today in the New York Post that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has had enough with anti-Semitism outbreaks all throughout the City and various college campuses. Commissioner Tisch, who also happens to be Jewish, was interviewed about her response.

“As your police commissioner, I promise that the NYPD will continue to combat anti-Semitism no matter where the threats originate, and our hate crimes task force will remain on the front lines of this fight,” she said.

Good! It is about time this problem was addressed. There are “hate crimes” listed in the books for New York, and violating someone who happens to be Jewish is a prosecutable crime.

For too long, Jews in New York have been persecuted on college campuses, and even in their own neighborhoods. It has to stop.

The uptick of this crime has occurred since October 7, 2023, when Hamas kidnapped and killed over 1,400 Israelis, Americans and others for enjoying a peace festival.

There is also a “no-mask” law which allows the police to arrest individuals and can be additionally charged for a crime while committing a hate crime.

Tisch made it clear that even if the rhetoric from protesters is “vile,” the NYPD still has a constitutional duty to protect free speech during rallies.

But anyone who commits a hate crime will face justice, she warned.

It is about damned time.