Governor Cathy Hoekl is considering a mask ban. One pro-Israel activist voiced support for the plan, accusing anti-Semitic agitators of “hiding in the shadows of hatred.”
“This homogenization of hate is designed not only to intimidate, but to allow these people to hide behind their hate, just like keyboard warriors hide their hate and hide their faces,” activist Lizzie Savetsky said on “Fox & Friends” on Friday.
“If you’re proud of your message, you don’t have to hide.”
The reporter recalled being surrounded by anti-Israel thugs, who “punched” him, “shoved him” and “robbed him of his notebook.”
Since the October 7 attacks, a wave of pro-Palestinian protests has grown in cities across the US, including in New York City, where numerous demonstrations have taken place on university campuses such as Columbia University and throughout the city’s subway system.
Most of the protesters wore face coverings or headscarves to hide their identities while showing solidarity with the Palestinians.
“Masks are designed to embolden the wearer by concealing their identity, allowing them to say and do things they might not otherwise feel confident doing,” Savetsky said.
A potential ban in New York state would restrict the wearing of masks or face coverings on the subway system, with exceptions for certain health, cultural or religious reasons.
The announcement from Hawkle’s office came after another wave of anti-Israel demonstrations, held as part of a “Day of Rage for Gaza” on Monday. The agitator flooded the subway car. He then began shouting at the passengers: “Raise your hands if you are Zionists!”
This question was followed by the threat, “This is your chance to get out.”
Anti-Israel protesters fire flares at New York City music festival memorial on October 7 for victims, chanting “Long Live the Intifada”
Demonstrations like Monday’s “Day of Rage” are becoming more frequent across the city, but concerns extend beyond the subway system.
“This goes way beyond the subway. It’s taking over the city,” Savetsky said. “I think this goes back to the mid-20th century when they banned members of the Ku Klux Klan who were hiding behind hoods and cloths covering their faces. We need to look at this again.”
Savetsky, who has received numerous death threats both in person and online, argued that a ban could reduce the number of anti-Semitic incidents and defuse protests.
“I really do think that people are more inclined to hate and violence when they can’t see their face, and conversely, it’s when we can show our face and look people in the eye that we can really break down the walls of hate and build bridges of understanding,” she said.
“The perpetrators of these threats have one thing in common – they all hide their identities. If they were forced to show their faces, this hatred, intimidation and violence would be greatly reduced.”
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