Former Governor Andrew Cuomo recently made headlines with his fiery speech at the Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton, condemning antisemitism and showing strong support for Israel. Cuomo, who is rumored to be considering a return to politics, founded the organization Never Again, Now! with Steven M. Cohen. The group has been actively running ads against the terrorist group Hamas, aiming to raise awareness about the threats faced by the Jewish community. Cuomo’s speech at the synagogue emphasized the dangers posed by Hamas, labeling them as a genocidal terrorist organization with a clear mission to eradicate the Jewish people.
During his speech, Cuomo also touched upon the concerning rise of antisemitism on college campuses in New York City. He highlighted the ongoing protests and harassment faced by Jewish students at institutions like NYU and Columbia, pointing out the need for decisive action against such hate crimes. The recent settlement of a lawsuit at NYU, which accused the university of fostering an environment of antisemitism, further underscored the urgency of addressing these issues. Cuomo emphasized that these actions were not protected under the guise of free speech, but rather constituted hate crimes that needed to be condemned and prosecuted.
Cuomo’s speech also shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with these hate crimes effectively. He criticized the recent decision by District Attorney Alvin Bragg to drop charges against a mob that violently took over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, causing widespread damage and terrorizing the staff. Cuomo highlighted the reluctance of politicians to take a firm stance against activists, who often resort to criminal activities to further their agenda. He called for stringent enforcement of the law and suggested the appointment of a special prosecutor to handle hate crime cases effectively.
In addition to his activism, Cuomo announced the launch of an educational campaign aimed at teaching the history of Israel and the ongoing conflict in the region. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, Cuomo hopes to combat the ignorance and bias that often lead to acts of antisemitism. He acknowledged the persistent nature of antisemitism and emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and resilient in the face of such hatred.
Meanwhile, residents in East Hampton came together to show support for the hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7. The rally featured rapper Kosha Dillz performing his poignant songs, calling for the safe return of the hostages. Attendees included prominent figures like former US Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Diva Moms co-founder Lyss Stern, and End Jew Hatred’s Michelle Ahdoot. The event highlighted the power of community solidarity and the importance of standing together against acts of terrorism and hate.
The events in the Hamptons underscore the pressing need to combat antisemitism and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s passionate speech and advocacy efforts serve as a powerful call to action, urging individuals and authorities to confront hate crimes head-on. By promoting education, raising awareness, and fostering community support, we can work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society where antisemitism has no place.