Working together across state lines, each in his own state legislature, New York State Assemblyman Walter Mosley (NY-57) and New Jersey Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (NJ-37) announced on Thursday, November 1, that they will introduce two bills in response to the recent tragedy in Pittsburgh. At a press conference in Manhattan, hosted by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Mosley, Johnson and other local elected officials and clergy of multiple faiths joined together to support legislative improvements to existing laws. These enhancements will hopefully prevent crimes of this nature and increase the criminal penalties for those who carry out such acts.
As described by Mosley, the first bill would increase possession of an unlicensed firearm in or near a place of worship to a Class E felony, the same level as possession of a weapon on school grounds. The second bill would require sentences to run consecutively for those convicted of a crime that resulted in death while in or near a religious structure or organization.
“We must stand together to protect freedom of religion and send a message to anyone who wishes to target any religious group that the consequences are severe,” stated Mosley. Mosley noted that he was happy to work with Johnson to enact strong penal laws in New York and New Jersey. Assemblyman Mosley represents parts of Crown Heights and the neighborhoods to its northwest.
Johnson explained that a common theme in his office is that we are all in this together; safety and the well-being of community is his office’s top priority. Johnson added, “We want to send a clear message in 2018 that you can’t be targeted because of your faith.” Further, he remarked, “This tragedy requires a regional response to enhance public safety within our religious institutions. No one should have to practice their faith under the threat of violence because of their religious beliefs.” Assemblyman Johnson represents the northeastern corner of Bergen County, including Englewood and Teaneck.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean and director of global social action agenda for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, travelled from Los Angeles to host the event. “Our most cherished freedom, freedom of religion, has again been violently assaulted, this time at Shabbat service in a Pittsburgh synagogue,” Cooper said. “We are here together, Jews, Christians, Muslims people of different colors and ethnicities united in our commitment for a better America.”
“Representing 114 synagogues, the National Council of Young Israel is very proud to be a part of this multi-faith and multi-faceted coalition looking to deliver substantive action to all houses of worship, sending a clear message that we will never tolerate those who hate and those who desecrate the sanctity of our holy and sacred spaces,” expressed Rabbi Marc Volk, executive director of the National Council of Young Israel.
Mohammad Razvi, CEO, Council of Peoples Organizations, added, “We must send a clear message to terrorists who might attack our religious sanctuaries. We should not be worried about our safety from such individuals when praying in our mosques, synagogues, churches and all other houses of worship.”
“We decry the fatal results of hate and anti-Semitism but it can’t end there; we demand that something be done through legislation to aggressively charge anyone who commits a crime or violates and/or desecrate our sacred spaces and houses of worship,” commented Bishop Mitchell Taylor, senior pastor of the Center of Hope International, CEO of Urban Upbound and VP of Mobilizing Preachers and Communities (MPAC).
Michael D. Cohen, eastern director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and an Englewood City council member, commented, “We have stood at vigils, we have commemorated those whose lives were horrifically snuffed out simply because of their desire to pray to God and proudly practice their religious faith. It is our responsibility to make sure that this unspeakable tragedy has significant meaning.” Further, Cohen added, “The actions taken today by New York Assemblyman Walter Mosley and New Jersey Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, along with the Simon Wiesenthal Center and our faith based leadership colleagues, is a clear demonstration that we heed the call to action and we will not stand idly by.” Moreover, Cohen stated, “Our religious sanctuaries must remain a safe haven, and let us to join together like we did today in ensuring the safety of our friends and family whenever they enter a house of worship.”
New York State Assemblyman David Weprin (NY-24), co-president of the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL), which represents Jewish legislators in 40 states, promised to work with his colleagues in proposing similar legislation. “Americans all across the country must stand united against each and every occurrence of anti-Semitism,” exclaimed Weprin. “We all know a hate crime against one group, religion or ethnic background is really a hate crime against all of us.”
By Judy Berger
