Jewish communities across New York and throughout the nation have faced a deeply troubling rise in antisemitic threats, harassment and violence. In 2025, New York led the country in reported antisemitic incidents, with 1,160, nearly double the number reported just three years earlier. Our state also accounted for 44 percent of all antisemitic assaults nationwide, including 90 physical attacks.

These alarming statistics are not abstract. They reflect a disturbing reality that is increasingly visible in our own communities. A swastika was recently carved into a window of the Inwood Inwood Long Island Rail Road station, just minutes from one of the largest Jewish communities on Long Island.

This was not an isolated act of vandalism. It was a direct attack on our neighbors, our communities, and the fundamental right to practice one’s faith without fear. As antisemitism continues to rise across New York and the nation, elected officials have a responsibility not only to condemn hate, but to take meaningful action to confront it.

Throughout my time in the State Senate, I have remained committed to protecting Jewish communities and combating antisemitism through legislative action. One of the measures I have introduced with Assemblyman Ed Ra, Senate Bill S.1752, the Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act, would require colleges and universities to report antisemitic incidents and provide a description of what corrective action was taken by the institution. 

In recent years we have witnessed too many incidents on college campuses in which Jewish students have been harassed, intimidated and even attacked because of their faith. Colleges and universities must take these incidents seriously. My legislation would improve reporting procedures, enhance accountability and ensure that institutions respond appropriately when antisemitism occurs.

 

Every student deserves to feel safe and welcome on campus, regardless of their faith. I was encouraged when this legislation advanced through the Higher Education Committee with strong support from Senate Republicans. Unfortunately, it has since stalled in the Senate Codes Committee, and may not receive a full vote from the Senate before the legislative session concludes.

 

In addition to this legislation, the Antisemitism Working Group, of which I am a member, submitted a comprehensive report to Gov. Kathy Hochul and members of the Legislature outlining a series of policy recommendations and legislative proposals that we believe would go a long way toward addressing the growing challenges facing New York’s Jewish community. 

Despite these setbacks, my colleagues and I remain steadfast. We understand that combating antisemitism requires sustained effort, strong partnerships and a willingness to act. At a time when antisemitic incidents are escalating, we cannot allow meaningful legislation to languish. We must be willing to move these proposals forward and hold our institutions accountable.

I have also been proud to work alongside Assemblyman Ari Brown, who represents many of the same communities I do and has been a strong advocate for New York’s Jewish community. Together we are committed to ensuring that residents can live openly and practice their faith without fear or intimidation.

Our work extends beyond legislation. In February 2025, Brown and I secured $150,000 for the Village of Lawrence to support a lighting rehabilitation project along the Nassau Expressway. For a community that is home to one of the largest Jewish populations on Long Island, this investment was an important step toward improving public safety and strengthening community security.

The fight against antisemitism is far from over, but in the face of hatred, silence and inaction are not options. I will continue to stand with our Jewish communities and to advocate for meaningful action to ensure that every New Yorker can live, learn, and worship safely and without fear.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.