ALBANY – Four Jewish community centers in New York, two of which are in Westchester County, were the targets of bomb threats on Monday and that was the last straw for Governor Andrew Cuomo. The threats were made against centers in Tarrytown, New Rochelle, Staten Island and Plainview.
Calling the threats “reprehensible and cowardly attacks” on all New Yorkers, he vowed “that we will do everything in our power to catch those responsible for this wave of hate crimes.” The governor vowed “the full force of government will be brought to bear in these efforts and these perpetrators will be punished.”
Cuomo vows to do “everything in our power” to end the wave of hate crimes
Cuomo has ordered the State Police to work with federal and local law enforcement to investigate the threats and apprehend those responsible.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino said the county “will not stand silent in the face of anti-Semitic acts or any other bias crimes.” He said he joins with “all people of good will in condemning the bomb threats that occurred here and around the country” and he said he has directed the county’s Department of Public Works to work with federal and local law enforcement agencies “in every way possible t bring those responsible to justice.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, NY-17) said the community “will not allow hatred, bigotry, or anti-Semitic violence to terrorize our families or our community.”
Lowey has also joined with Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Kay Granger (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX) and Peter Roskam (R-IL) in re-launching the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.
In the Town of Clarkstown, Supervisor George Hoehmann and Acting Police Chief, Captain Robert Mahon, said the town police have stepped up patrols around all synagogues, JCC Rockland and other houses of worship in Clarkstown.
Last week, the governor announced $25 million to boost safety and security at New York’s schools and day care centers at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs or mission.
