Congressman Dan Goldman Convenes Townhall on Combating Rise in Antisemitic and Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

Antisemitic Incidents Increased 36 Percent in 2022, Highest Levels Since 1979 with Highest Number of Incidents Occurring in New York

Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Increased Over 300 Percent Nationwide Since 2020, New York City Experiencing 343 Percent Increase

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) yesterday brought together representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the New York Police Department (NYPD) for a townhall discussion on how to combat the growing rate of hate crimes targeting Jewish and Asian communities. The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents found a 36 percent increase in antisemitic activity compared to 2021 with New York having the most incidents of any state in the country. Anti-Asian hate crimes have also increased exponentially in recent years with rates in New York City increasing by over 340 percent. 

“Antisemitic and anti-Asian hate crimes have risen to record levels, and it is imperative that we do everything in our power, at every level of government, to protect our communities from hateful violence,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “It is incredibly disheartening and completely unacceptable that New York has become the epicenter of the rising tide of antisemitism and anti-Asian hate in our nation. By bringing together the agencies tasked with combating hate crimes, we are working to make certain that we are all engaged in the most effective and efficient strategies to keep our communities safe. I take very seriously our obligation to combat hate in all its forms and will fight to guarantee that these views have no place in New York or America.” 

During the townhall, the various law enforcement agencies discussed the threat posed by an increase in hate crimes in New York, what policy solutions may exist to curb the rise in hate, and the role that local law enforcement can play in combatting these specific crimes.

Since taking office, Congressman Goldman has prioritized fighting against bigotry and protecting New York’s Jewish and Asian communities from hate and violence.

Earlier this year, Congressman Dan Goldman delivered a speech on the House floor highlighting the alarming rise and normalization of antisemitism around the country and urged members of Congress to come together to fight hate. In order to combat rising ignorance of the Holocaust, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act to improve and expand Holocaust education for future generations. 

Congressman Goldman previously demanded the Department of Justice provide an overview of law enforcement agencies underreporting hate crimes and bring these agencies into compliance to mitigate hate crimes across the country. The Congressman has also been vocal in condemning xenophobic and racist rhetoric aimed at the AAPI community. 

Congressman Goldman has fought for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program which allows nonprofits, including houses of worship and community organizations, to apply for up to $150,000 in funding forsecurity enhancements.  

New York’s 10th Congressional District is home to one of the largest and most historic Asian communities in the country.  
  
New York is also home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, with New York’s 10th Congressional District having one of the largest Jewish populations in the country.

Congressman Goldman is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Bipartisan Antisemitism Task Force.

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