Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently delivered a passionate speech at the Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton, showing his unwavering support for Israel and his firm stance against antisemitism. The event, hosted by Rabbi Marc Schneier, attracted a diverse audience, including prominent political figures such as Mayor Eric Adams, Hillary Clinton, and Marco Rubio.
Cuomo, who is reportedly considering a return to public office, co-founded Never Again, Now! with Steven M. Cohen. The group has been actively running ads condemning the terrorist group Hamas and advocating for the rights of the Jewish community. During his speech, Cuomo emphasized the importance of standing up against genocidal organizations like Hamas and reiterated that their actions are fundamentally anti-human rights.
In his address, Cuomo also highlighted the concerning rise of antisemitic incidents on college campuses in New York City. He referenced recent protests and encampments at institutions like NYU and Columbia, where Jewish students have faced harassment and discrimination. Cuomo condemned these acts as hate crimes and called for swift and decisive action to protect the affected individuals.
Moreover, Cuomo criticized the decision of District Attorney Alvin Bragg to drop charges against a mob that had taken over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University. He expressed his concerns about the lack of law enforcement in the face of organized activism, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to uphold justice and maintain order in society.
In addition to his verbal advocacy, Cuomo announced the launch of an educational campaign aimed at educating the public about the history of Israel and the ongoing conflict in the region. By providing factual information and promoting dialogue, Cuomo hopes to combat misinformation and promote understanding among diverse communities.
Despite acknowledging the persistence of antisemitism, Cuomo urged his listeners to remain vigilant and resilient in the face of hatred. He emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity in protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Meanwhile, in East Hampton, residents gathered for a march advocating for the safe return of hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7. The event featured performances by rapper Kosha Dillz and brought together community leaders, activists, and supporters, including former US Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Diva Moms co-founder Lyss Stern.
As the fight against antisemitism continues, organizations like End Jew Hatred are actively working to raise awareness and promote tolerance. Events featuring speakers such as dietician Tanya Zuckerbrot and entrepreneur Samantha Ettus are providing platforms for discussion and collaboration, illustrating the power of community engagement in fostering positive social change.
Andrew Cuomo’s bold stance against antisemitism in the Hamptons serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing up for human rights. By uniting individuals from all walks of life in a shared commitment to combating hatred, we can strive towards a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.