Rockland County Executive Ed Day Leads Rally Against Hate Crime; Reward Offered

Evan Bernstein, New York Regional Director at the Anti-Defamation League, standing next to Rockland County Executive Ed Day
Evan Bernstein, New York Regional Director at the Anti-Defamation League, standing next to Rockland County Executive Ed Day

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day stood Thursday with the Anti-Defamation League and community leaders to denounce a hate crime targeting two rabbis.

“There is no place for hate in Rockland,” he said from the steps of the old Rockland Courthouse where he led the rally with Human Rights Commissioner Penny Jennings and a diverse groups of community leaders.

Day was accompanied by Evan Bernstein, New York Regional Director at the Anti-Defamation League.

At the rally, the Bernstein announced that the organization was offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest in the crime, in which incendiary devices, possibly firecrackers, were set off outside two homes in New City where rabbis live.

“We remain deeply concerned in the wake of this apparent anti-Semitic attack near the homes of two prominent rabbis in Rockland County,” said Bernstein. “We hope that the issuing of this reward will lead to the swift apprehension of those responsible for this potential hate crime.”

Bernstein praised Day and his administration for speaking out strongly and quickly against the Tuesday evening incident at the home of two rabbis in New City.

The rally was organized by Rockland Commissioner of Human Rights Penny Jennings.

“We are here to make a public rebuke of any crime committed against anyone in our community,” she said. “We will create a harmonious environment for Jews, for Christians, for Muslims for everyone. We will not tolerate intimidation against anyone.”

Also attending the Rally Against Hate were Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Senator David Carlucci, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, Clarkstown Councilman Frank Borelli, Gary Siepser, chief executive officer of the Rockland Jewish Federation, David Kirschtel, CEO of the JCC Rockland and other community leaders.

The crime is being investigated by the Clarkstown Police Department.

Clarkstown officials said they are investigating reports that a group of young people were seen nearby just before the incident occurred Tuesday evening.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clarkstown police tip line at 845-639-6233.

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