SUNY Student Assembly Denounces Attacks on Jewish Communities

The following statement was submitted by Marc Cohen, President of the Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA). 

“In recent weeks, New York has seen numerous acts of anti-Semitic vandalism and fear-mongering targeting the state’s Jewish communities.

“The desecration of headstones at Waad Hakolel Cemetery in Rochester and more than a half dozen bomb threats made against Jewish community organizations on Long Island, in New York City, throughout the Hudson Valley and Western New York have all occurred recently. The SUNY Student Assembly stands firmly in opposition to acts of hate and discrimination, both in New York and across the country.

“The Student Assembly also commends Governor Cuomo’s swift action, calling on the New York State Police to investigate these threats and condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and bias.

“No SUNY student should have to walk across their campus or through their community in fear of being targeted for their religious beliefs or cultural background. The SUNY Student Assembly leadership will continue working with senior administration officials to ensure that our campuses remain safe and secure environments for all our students and faculty to live and learn.

“We encourage all students, faculty, staff, and community members alike to report discrimination and bias incidents to the New York State Bias Reporting Hotline at (888) 392-3644. Crimes and immediate threats should be directed to local authorities by calling 911.”

 

The Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA) is the recognized student government organization representing the nearly 600,000 students of the State University of New York. Comprised of student leaders elected by their peers from across SUNY’s 64 campuses, SUNY SA is committed to empowering students throughout the state, and ensuring the representation of its members on the state and national level, as well as throughout the SUNY system.