Anti-Semitic vandalism towards Assemblywoman
Seawright’s office under investigation as a hate crime
BY EMILY DAVENPORT
A local assemblywoman’s office
became a target of anti-Semitic
vandalism.
On the morning of Aug. 11, Assemblymember
Rebecca Seawright’s staff came
to her offi ce to fi nd white paint splattered
on her windows and doors and a note
that contained anti-Semitic and obscene
language directed against the assemblymember
was slid under the door. The note
alluded to Jewish stereotypes while making
sexually explicit remarks.
A spatula that spread the paint was left
behind at the scene and turned over to
police.
“We will never be intimidated by this
criminal act. We have called for a hate
crimes investigation,” said Seawright in
a statement. “We stand before you today
to denounce this disgraceful and hateful
crime. We will remain vigilant.”
Seawright was joined by faith-based
and community leaders that afternoon for
a press conference to express their outrage
over the vandalism.
“Anti-Semitism, or hatred of any kind,
has no place in New York City,” said Congresswoman
Carolyn B. Maloney. “I was
dismayed to learn that my friend, Assemblywoman
Rebecca Seawright’s, offi ce
was defaced with anti-Semitic symbols
and note this morning. Unfortunately,
this incident is part of an alarming spike
of hate crimes and rhetoric throughout
New York City and our nation. ‘One
more incident’ is one incident too many,
which is why I have made fi ghting hatred
and anti-Semitism a personal mission.
In May, the Senate passed my bill H.R.
943, the Never Again Education Act,
Assemblywoman Seawright at a press conference in front of her office (left); White paint splattered on her office windows
and door. (right)
to support Holocaust education in all
schools across this country. The next
generation of leaders must learn the
horrifi c consequences of anti-Semitism,
bigotry and hate.”
Seawright also gained support from
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill
de Blasio, the latter said that the NYPD
Hate Crimes Task Force will be investigating
the case.
“This cowardly act is antithetical to New
York’s values. New York has zero tolerance
for hate and we will do everything
in our power to hold those responsible
accountable,” said Cuomo on Twitter. “I
extend my sympathy to Assemblymember
Seawright that this repugnant note was
left at her offi ce.”
“If your heart is full of hate you have no
home in New York City,” said de Blasio on
Twitter. “Assemblymember Seawright,
your city stands with you. The NYPD
Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating
this.”
“I appreciate the governor’s show of
support,” Seawright told amNewYork
Metro. “When there’s an attack on one of
us, there’s an attack on all of us.”
That evening, Seawright briefl y addressed
the vandalism during another
virtual town hall that was livestreamed
on Facebook, reiterating her statement
that she will not be intimidated by this act.
Seawright recently sponsored one of her
weekly virtual town hall events, this one
focusing on combating Anti-Semitism and
featuring New York State Jewish leaders.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is
investigating the vandalism.
“This criminal behavior has no place
in the 76th District Assembly,” said
Seawright.
Schneps Media
set to honor
healthcare heroes
Join us — virtually — as we fete
the 2020 Healthcare Heroes.
Schneps Media, in conjunction
with amNewYork Metro and
the Long Island Press, will be
paying tribute to those front-line
workers who give so much to keep
us all healthy and safe. We will
celebrate their strength and courage,
and recognize their tireless
efforts in saving lives, not just
during the public health crisis,
but every day.
The virtual gala will debut on
Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
If you know someone who is a
“Healthcare Hero,” nominate him or
her by emailing the name/company,
phone number and email to events@
schnepsmedia.com, or by calling
718-260-4581.
PHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES
12 August 13, 2020 Schneps Media
/schnepsmedia.com
