Rockland Officials Pledge Support to Local JCCs

WEST NYACK, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Sheriff Louis Falco, Rockland Legislative Chairman Toney Earl and other officials pledged support Wednesday to the Rockland JCC at a time of escalating threats nationwide to similar organizations.

"We are here today to show our strength and courage – not fear and weakness," the county executive said to a large gathering of community members and officials at the JCC. "We are not afraid to come here, to use the gym, to take a class, to play basketball, to do yoga, to bring our children to preschool or camp."

The County Executive and other officials, including Falco, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and Clarkstown Acting Police Chief Robert Mahon said they would continue to take precautions to make sure the JCC is safe.

"We cannot be complacent," Falco said, as he reminded residents: "If you see something, say something."

Leaders from Rockland's Muslim community attended, along with members of the Interfaith Council, representatives of the LGBT community and others who make up the county's diverse population.

There was a strong bi-partisan showing of elected officials, including members of the Legislature. Representatives from every level of government showed their support.

Earl (D-Hillcrest) spoke about what it was like growing up in the segregated South and seeing first-hand the painful impact of being targeted and hated because of your race or religion.

“Rockland County is known for its rich diversity,” Earl said. “We believe every resident deserves respect and the right to live here free from acts of hate. Anti-Semitism is everyone’s problem. Dr. King once said, ‘Whatever affects one of us directly, affects all of us indirectly.’ And for that reason, I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and together we will not let hate prevail.”

Additional members of Legislature’s Democratic Majority also attended, including Vice Chairwoman Nancy Low-Hogan (D-South Nyack), Majority Leader Aney Paul (D-Nanuet), Deputy Majority Leader Alden Wolfe (D-Montebello), and Legislator Harriet Cornell (D-West Nyack).

Across the nation, 1,372 bias incidents were reported between Nov. 9 and Feb. 7, according to statistics provided by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups and crimes. The organization regularly updates the information.

Paul said she was encouraged to see such an outpouring of support, as she has found the rise of hate crimes across the nation and close to home to be extremely disturbing.

“In addition to this despicable wave of anti-Semitic acts, we have also seen several Indian and Sikh-Americans attacked recently,” Paul said. “Nobody should live in fear, whether Jewish-American, Indian-American, immigrant, or a descendant of immigrants. We are all Americans. Rockland County is a melting pot of diversity and we must work even harder now to create a feeling of safety and tolerance…together.”

Hoehmann said threats to JCCs will not stop people from using the facilities. "We will not be intimidated," he said.

Falco outlined some of the measures being taken to make sure the West Nyack facility and others like in in our community are being protected.

He demonstrated how three bomb-detecting canines, Annie, Cable and Kelsey, sniffed out explosives that had been planted at the JCC. His officers also gave a demonstration of a device that can detect higher than normal radiation levels.

And he reminded people to be vigilant. "If you see something, say something," he said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has asked the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to Jewish Community Centers.

County officials have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and will apply for grants once applications are available.