Op-Ed by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato

Dear Friends,

As some of you may have seen in the news, the Mayor of New York City recently vetoed a piece of legislation that would establish “protest buffer zones” around sensitive locations. I am incredibly disappointed in his actions, as we’ve seen hate crimes continue to grow. Earlier this year the NYC Council passed legislation in response to the unprecedented amount of Antisemitic actions we have seen disguised as protests. The City Council was right to pass this legislation to try to provide some protections to people affected by these protests. We as Jews find ourselves in a particularly disturbing situation, as we’ve observed attempts to block the entrance to a synagogue in Manhattan, or the heinous pro-Hamas chants flung at Jewish students and congregants outside a yeshiva and shul in Kew Gardens Hills. Let’s make one thing clear, protesting is a fundamental right; yet there is a big difference between protesting and harassment. Scaring people isn’t acceptable and worrying families that they’ll be attacked because of their faith or what they look like is not how we operate in New York. That’s why I’m working on the State level with Governor Hochul to do what the Mayor won’t do and enact legislation to create “protest buffer zones” at sensitive locations.

Governor Hochul has been a major supporter of this initiative. In her own words she referred to these buffer zones as “common sense.” I thank our Governor for this type of clear leadership as she is working to combat hate and allow New Yorkers to feel safe, while still maintaining their right to protest. The buffer zones don’t say you can’t protest, but rather clarify that one can’t block the entrance to a religious site or be right in the faces of students who are just trying to learn. Seems easy enough, right? Of course, there are people who disagree. In fact, they are waging a massive campaign in Albany citing that these types of protections would instead “restrict New Yorkers’ right to assembly and free speech.” They couldn’t be more wrong. Though some may say the current bill isn’t enough, based on the emails of support I have received from our community throughout Bayswater and Far Rockaway, it’s clear you are asking me to support this legislation and policy. That’s why I’m fighting to get us this protection on a State level which provides stronger safeguards and will apply everywhere, from New York City to Nassau County, and beyond.

In fact, it’s this type of fight that makes me think about who is going to be the next to represent our community on the State level. As many of you know I am not seeking re-election to the State Assembly next year. It’s these moments that show the importance of having a battle-tested and competent Assemblymember. That’s why we need an Assemblymember who represents those values, who will make sure we don’t back down to nay-sayers, who will stand up. It’s why I’m supporting Pesach Osina in the Democratic Primary on June 23. Pesach has worked in the NYS Assembly and the NYC Council, knows our issues, has been a problem solver, and has been consistently committed to helping people. He’s exactly who we need!

I have proudly said this district is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the City, possibly even the State. We need a representative who has experience in getting things done, is able to think outside the box, and is a unifying force. Pesach Osina is that guy! Over the next few weeks while I’m up in Albany passing legislation, you’ll see Pesach around our community, because this is his community too. Say hi, ask him questions. He’s a fighter, a mensch, and he’s ready to keep our families and our needs front and center in Albany starting on Day 1.