Nassau County Creates Antisemitism Task Force

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — On Thursday, which was Holocaust Remembrance Day, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed a bill into law creating a Nassau County Antisemitism Task Force.

The task force will be investigating the rise of antisemitism in Nassau County and what can be done to combat it. It will be made up of members of the Nassau County Legislature, as well as community stakeholders.

“Joining with hundreds of Jewish community leaders, elected officials and residents, we sent a message loud and clear that antisemitism and hate of any kind is not welcome here in Nassau County,” Blakeman said. “I look forward to working with this task force to help root out antisemitism, educate our children about the history of antisemitism, and make sure those who engage in antisemitic language and behavior are held accountable.”

The resolution establishing the Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Antisemitism was introduced to the Legislature on June 22, 2021 in response to an increase in antisemitic incidents in recent years. It was adopted unanimously by the Legislature in August 2021.

The task force will be made up of six legislators — three Republicans and three Democrats — as well as a the county executive or his designee. The legislators will then pick five community leaders to also be on the task force, based on their expertise and background in opposing antisemitism.

The task force will host public meetings to engage the community and gather facts about the origins and extent of antisemitism in Nassau County. After meetings and public comment, the task force will create a report with recommendations for legislative action.

The task force's report must be submitted no later than April 28, 2022.