The Issue: Reports of antisemitism perpetrated by masked protesters in New York and nationwide.
As The Post points out, there are parallels between the current situation and Nazi Germany, especially in regards to the mask-wearing (“Call to outlaw masked protest,” June 14).
However, there is a crucial distinction. Today, Jewish communities across the country are protected by the police, whereas in the past, they were victimized by them.
The escalation of antisemitism in Nazi Germany and the full participation of the police stand in stark contrast to the present day.
Back then, law enforcement ruthlessly suppressed dissent, enforced discriminatory laws and facilitated the deportation of Jews to ghettos and concentration camps. Today, police in the United States uphold their duty to safeguard Jewish citizens and communities.
It’s important to recognize that the police force is not homogeneous: It faces challenges and includes individuals who may act improperly.
Nonetheless, every day, police officers protect the diverse communities that constitute the American mosaic, including the Jewish community.
Todd L. Pittinsky
Port Jefferson
A New York law banned group mask-wearing and it needs to be brought back. It is time to have a new law preventing those sporting masks at protests.
Added to all that is the well-reported defacement of homes owned by Jewish people. It is just so sad. This is not a protest, in my book, but pure vandalism.
My question is: Were not such acts committed in Nazi Germany and by the KKK in our own country? All those who engage with these acts of hate and antisemitism must be arrested.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
Mayor Adams showing up at pro-Israel rallies is not enough. He should be meeting with his police commissioner and planning a strategy devising a citywide task force that will be ready for any mob that terrorizes any group of people.
Since the mayor served as a captain with the NYPD, he should be aware that the police can find cause to arrest and drag these imbeciles off the streets.
He certainly can’t expect help from President Biden and the federal government.
Nicholas Maffei
Yonkers
Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul need to collectively call for the immediate reinstatement of New York’s 200-year old mask law that was rudely repealed during COVID (“Ban Masked Protests Now,” Editorial, June 14).
Will it take a New York City Kristallnacht to occur before New York’s sluggard politicians wake up to what’s been brewing here in the most cosmopolitan city in the world since Oct. 7?
James Hyland
Beechhurst
The anti-Israel demonstrators are not being held in check. While Jewish leaders are calling for a law banning the wearing of masks, they should start to look at the United Kingdom’s hate-speech laws as well.
Hate speech is a precursor to a hate crime. It crosses the line of civil opposition and free speech protections under the First Amendment.
Hate speech is now a cause for being removed from social media platforms. If we can demand civil conduct in that arena, we can certainly demand the same in the public arena.
Mayor Adams said he was “horrified and disgusted” in witnessing antisemitism at one recent rally. I suggest we have laws that protect all races, ethnicities and individuals from hateful speech.
Phil Serpico
Queens
The United States should follow Germany’s lead and outlaw antisemitism and symbols of hate. Then we won’t have to wonder who to arrest.
Rob Spieler
Sharon Springs
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