Early this morning, I was informed of a deeply disturbing incident involving several young Orthodox girls who were allegedly subjected to verbal sexual harassment and inappropriate physical touching by an attendant working at the Bolla Market/Exxon station in Cedarhurst.

Law enforcement responded. The individual was arrested. I am grateful to our local police leadership and the officers who took this matter seriously and acted.

I subsequently learned that the individual had returned to work. I spoke directly with the owner of Bolla Market, who was unaware of what had occurred and assured me that the employee would be terminated.

This incident raises issues that go far beyond one employee or one business.

First, parents: we need to know where our children are, particularly late at night. A group of young girls should not be left vulnerable at midnight. That does not excuse, diminish, or shift responsibility for what was allegedly done to them. The responsibility for misconduct belongs entirely to the person who commits it. Protecting our children also requires vigilance from all of us.

Second, I want to say something that may make some people uncomfortable.

I WANT TO SEE STRENGTH FROM JEWISH MEN.

Time and again, when something happens, I receive calls from mothers, business owners and members of our community who are frightened. Too often, I ask, “Did you call the police?” and the answer is no.

Why?

“We don’t want repercussions.”

“We’re afraid.”

“We don’t want them knowing where we live.”

And even after the police are called, I sometimes hear: “I don’t want to pursue it.”

My response is always the same:

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY DO IT TO THE NEXT PERSON?

I raised seven children. I understand the instinct to protect your family and avoid trouble. Silence does not protect the next child, the next woman, the next business owner or the next family.

If someone assaults you, threatens you, harasses your child, vandalizes your business or commits a crime against you, call the police. Cooperate with law enforcement. Follow through.

We cannot demand that our police protect us and then refuse to stand with them when they make an arrest.

Our tradition does not teach weakness. It teaches courage.

When Joshua was called upon to lead the Jewish people, the charge repeated to him was “Chazak ve’ematz” — “Be strong and courageous.”

Those words matter today.

Menachem Begin understood that lesson in modern times as well: Jews cannot resign themselves to being perpetual victims waiting for someone else to defend them.

We should never look for confrontation. We should never take the law into our own hands. Neither should we confuse fear with virtue.

Call the police. Tell the truth. Cooperate. Prosecute when appropriate. Stand up for your children, your neighbors and your community.

Our community is blessed with dedicated law enforcement officers who are willing to do their jobs. We need to have the courage to do ours.

Be strong. Be courageous. Stop accepting victimhood.

Chazak ve’ematz.

From New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown