Anti-Israeli protesters displaying flags of terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah could face the back of the bar up to four years under the new state bill.
The proposed position on the flag of enemy terrorism law would expand the definition of first degree (class E felony) in first degree (class E felony) including when a person displays a symbol of a foreign terrorist organization to show the symbol of a foreign terrorist organization with the intention of another person, according to the state senators who are presenting state senators of state senators Brad Hoyleman Cigar and Mika Mikuta Decrat Demorat, who introduces state senators to Mika Mikuta Demorat, who introduces state senators Brad Hoyleman Cigar and Congressman Mikan Mikuta Demorat.
New York has long recognized that there are symbols that “cross the line” from freedom of speech to hate and harassment.
State law already criminalizes displaying hate symbols such as sw, fiery crossings, and noose.
Jewish New Yorkers have been harassed or threatened for their religion and ethnicity, particularly after Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched a horrific genocide in Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking violent new conflicts with other terrorists such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Anti-Israel protesters in the city have since become infamous for waving, drawing and displaying flags, emblems, logos and other symbols of recognized foreign terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
For example, more than 150 anti-Israeli protesters gathered at Washington Square Park in Manhattan on February 23rd.
Anti-Semitic slogans to honor the fallen Hamas leader contributed to the plan for October 7th.
“Since the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, we have witnessed cases of anti-Semitism have become unsettled here at home, using symbols and flags of terrorist organizations to harass and threaten Jews, businesses and Jewish New Yorkers in their homes.
“No one should be allowed to threaten New Yorkers because they are Jewish or because they are other aspects of their identity protected by state law,” he said.
“We have long been banning New Yorkers from using neo-Nazi and KKK symbols to threaten New Yorkers. Now it's time to expand that policy under the Safety Act, in order to add symbols of foreign terrorist organizations.”
“The Security Act establishes a critical new tool in the fight against dangerous anti-Semitism that flourished in the disease since the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7th.”
Eric Goldstein, CEO of the United Jewish Appellate League in New York, is called the rise of anti-Semitism
Harassment in New York: “I'm worried.
“No one needs to face the feeling that they are unsafe due to threats or their Jewish identity,” he said. “Safety Act is a necessary and wise measure to prevent the use of terrorist symbols as a tool for hatred and intimidation.”
The introduction of the bill comes amidst the ongoing chaos on New York university campuses.
Last week, an unruly mob of anti-Israeli protesters wearing Keffiyeh took over the university administration building at Barnard College in Manhattan and attacked security guards.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Gov. Kny canceled the event at the City College campus in Harlem last week due to security concerns involving anti-Israeli protesters.
