Gov. Kathy Hochul ought to faucet a particular prosecutor to implement the state’s hate crime regulation to punish offenders fueled by antisemitism and different forms of bigotry, mentioned her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo.
The disgraced ex-governor made the pitch whereas talking earlier than 150 members of the Harmonie Membership in Manhattan Tuesday night time, a personal Jewish-founded group.
He referenced mask-hiding bullies who harassed “Zionist” Jews on the subway final week and the vandals who defaced the Brooklyn Museum director’s co-op with a pink triangle on the entrance door — a logo that has been extensively utilized in Hamas propaganda exhibiting Israelis marked for dying.
“This isn’t a primary modification difficulty. That is unlawful. That is thuggery. It’s menacing. It’s prison trespass,” Cuomo mentioned.
“Appoint a particular prosecutor and let’s see what occurs if you implement the regulation,” the ex- pol mentioned to applause.
Cuomo — who resigned in 2021 amid sexual misconduct accusations that he denies — permitted a brand new regulation in 2020 classifying any assault of a bunch based mostly on its race or faith a home terror assault, following the stabbing dying of Rabbi Josef Neumann, 72, in Monsey in 2019.
The ex-governor mentioned “ideas and prayers” from politicians whom he described as “climate vanes” solely go so far.
“Do one thing!” Cuomo mentioned.
He snarkily added, “That is New York Metropolis. You may break the regulation.”
Hochul has the authority to nominate a particular prosecutor.
Her workplace had no fast remark.
In the meantime, state Legal professional Common Letitia James and the state’s 62 district lawyer issued a letter Tuesday, claiming they may do their job and go after hate-fueled crime.
They cited the antisemitic incidents final week, together with the menacing anti-Israel demonstrations outdoors the memorial for victims killed on the Nova music pageant throughout Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 assault.
“These acts have left giant segments of our communities–each Jews and non-Jews–scared for his or her security and that of their households and neighbors. No New Yorker ought to worry for his or her security
for any purpose, and particularly due to who they’re,” the letter mentioned.
They pledged to “examine and prosecute all hate crimes and acts of violence or threats of violence based mostly on the info and to the fullest extent attainable beneath the regulation.”
Cuomo was invited to the Harmonie Membership by longtime member and veteran political advisor Hank Sheinkopf.
The membership had come beneath hearth up to now for being all-white. Sheinkopf mentioned the membership has members who’re minorities.
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