Let’s face it, the United States is experiencing a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, racism, and anti-semitism, and New York City is no exception. It is time to do away with the language that the Big Apple serves as a shining city on a hill and accept the facts.
The rise in nationalist and supremacist views, spurned on by an increase in societal and political disillusion most explosive amongst the younger generations, is a serious threat. It is sadly not limited to tiki torch carriers sporting blonde buzz cuts, or the economically devastated rural areas that are often pointed to as hotspots of growing nativism.
The recent attacks in Jersey City and Monsey, where Jews were targeted, as well as activities by white nationalist groups within the New York metropolitan area, show that New York City is not above the current nationwide struggle against hate.
So what can New Yorkers do? On the local level, report hate crimes and hate groups vigilantly. Attend events and rallies to support New York’s immigrant and Jewish communities. Press politicians into passing anti-discrimination laws and ordinances that target groups who are hostile to our ideals of tolerance and diversity.
We must also address the growth of anti-semitic conspiracies within our minority communities, especially among African Americans, where there is an unfortunate history of black on Jewish violence.
Most importantly, we must be willing to take political action. When Rockland politicians air anti-Haredi ads, we must push back. When Staten Island officeholders promote anti-Muslim views, we must push back. When the president makes anti-immigrant comments, we must push back.
Tolerant societies fall when those with intolerant views are tolerated. It is time to be intolerant of intolerance, and rise above hate.
