FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kristia Winter
718-629-2900 / KWinter@council.nyc.gov

BROOKLYN, NY – New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis issued the following statement after an intruder attacked five people celebrating Hanukkah on Saturday night at the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg in Monsey, NY. A suspect was later apprehended in Harlem. There have been reports of eight suspected Anti-Semitic attacks across New York City during this month alone. 

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER FARAH N. LOUIS

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the egregious display of hatred and numerous acts of Anti-Semitism that have occurred in New York over the last couple of weeks including last night’s senseless attack in Monsey, NY during a Hanukkah celebration in a rabbi’s home.

“Religious freedom is one of the pillars of American society and yet our neighbors, in the midst of Hanukkah celebrations, have been terrorized for their religious beliefs. I am outraged by the increase in hate crimes and aggression towards the Jewish community in unprovoked attacks.

“Throughout New York City and now in Monsey, members of the Jewish community deserve to feel safe and free to practice their faith at home, a place of worship, or in public spaces. We will not tolerate this violence or any attempt to cause division where there is unity. We remain committed to deepening our community ties so that our diversity can continue to illuminate wherever darkness exists.

“I am praying for the full recovery of the victims and I am truly heartbroken that Hanukkah has been marred by the reprehensible behavior of these perpetrators,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Committee on Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is also a proud member of the Women’s Caucus as well as the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.

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