Jewish Leaders Urge Cuomo To Pass Police Reforms

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — More than 350 Jewish leaders in New York urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo to pass strong police reforms.

They all signed a letter this week expressing support for bills to confront police racism and brutality directed at communities of color.

Their names followed those chanted by thousands of protesters who have marched for weeks after the killing of George Floyd — Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Eric Garner, Delrawn Small and George Floyd himself.

It is Jewish tradition not to stand idly by while your neighbor's blood is shed, the letter states, quoting Leviticus.

"We cannot and will not stand idly by as important legislation is being considered that begins to address violence and abuse of power by law enforcement," the letter states.

The "important legislation" includes a repeal of Section 50-a — a law used by police departments including the NYPD to shield police disciplinary records from disclosure. State lawmakers approved that appeal this week and it's heading for Cuomo's desk.

Don't water it down, they warned Cuomo.

"Creating any loopholes in the law would provide a false sense of progress while continuing to allow for secrecy, and thereby abuse of office," they wrote. "Police and other law enforcement are given extraordinary power, and with this power comes great responsibility to exercise that power in a way that ensures equal justice under law. They should welcome the thorough scrutiny that good governance requires."

The letter was organized by the New York Jewish Agenda and Jews for Racial & Economic Justice.

Its signatories include a group of politicians headed by Rep. Jerry Nadler, city Comptroller Scott Stringer, state Sen. Julia Salazar and Park Slope City Councilman Brad Lander, along with rabbis and other community leaders.

They also backed bills that strengthen prosecutorial oversight of police misconduct and require increased reports that can track discriminatory policing.

The full letter can be read here.