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NYC Medic Suspended from FDNY Over Anti-Israel and Pro-Terror Comments Online
Edited by: Fern Sidman
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has suspended an emergency medical technician (EMT) following allegations of posting hateful, anti-Israel, and pro-terrorist remarks on social media. According to a report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post, the medic, identified as 30-year-old Bryan Antolos of EMS Battalion 13 in Washington Heights, is under investigation after a series of disturbing Instagram posts surfaced, sparking widespread outrage.
StopAntisemitism is horrified to learn that FDNY has a dangerous antisemitic and anti-American EMT in their ranks. Bryan Antolos has:
– stated Israel & America do not deserve to exist anymore
– claimed the only way to beat the system (Israel & America) is to remove them from the… pic.twitter.com/4sDTw8twjm— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 20, 2024
Screenshots of the posts, shared by the Jewish advocacy organization StopAntisemitism on X (formerly Twitter), reveal shocking statements attributed to Antolos. “Israel and the United States do not deserve to exist anymore,” Antolos allegedly wrote in one of his Instagram stories. In another post, he reportedly stated, “The only way to beat the system is to remove it from the face of [the] planet entirely.” The New York Post confirmed that these comments, if verified, represent deeply inflammatory rhetoric targeting Israel and the United States.
The allegations extend beyond anti-Israel rhetoric. According to The New York Post, Antolos reportedly expressed support for terrorist organizations, claiming groups like Hezbollah are “almost always on the right side of history.” In another post, he allegedly wrote, “The world will only know peace when it removes Israel from the map.”
Adding to the controversy, Antolos reportedly shared an image of an animated character pointing a gun, accompanied by the caption, “Me to anyone that still supports Israel,” according to screenshots compiled by StopAntisemitism. In other posts, Antolos condemned U.S. financial aid to Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas-led terrorist attack, which left over 1,400 Israelis dead and many more injured. One particularly disturbing post included the phrase, “F–k y’all.”
StopAntisemitism, which initially flagged the posts, expressed alarm over Antolos’ alleged remarks, questioning his ability to treat Jewish patients impartially. “StopAntisemitism is horrified to learn that FDNY has a dangerous antisemitic and anti-American EMT in their ranks,” the group wrote on X, as was reported by The New York Post. “What would happen if Bryan Antolos encountered a Jewish patient wearing a kippah or Magen David?” The organization called on FDNY leadership and Mayor Eric Adams to take decisive action.
In response to the allegations, the FDNY confirmed to The New York Post that Antolos has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into his social media activity. The department cited its strict social media policy, which urges members to avoid creating or sharing content that could be perceived as discriminatory or damaging to the FDNY’s reputation. “Members are urged to avoid sharing or creating social media content that may be perceived as harassing, discriminatory, or may bring the Department into disrepute,” the policy states.
Antolos’ Instagram account appears to have been deactivated, and he did not respond to The New York Post’s request for comment. Public records indicate that Antolos earned $64,685 in 2024 as an EMT. His suspension has prompted significant backlash, with calls for accountability and scrutiny over his future in the department.
The case has reignited debates over the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities, particularly in roles involving public trust. Many have raised concerns about the potential impact of Antolos’ alleged views on his ability to provide impartial care. “What assurance do we have that he can serve Jewish patients without bias or prejudice?” one critic questioned on social media, as reported by The New York Post.
FDNY’s Bryan Antolos also:
– claimed enemies of America like Hezbollah & Hamas are on the right side of history
– shared a video where an individual claims they refuse to denounce Hamas & Hezbollah because they “love them with all their heart”What would happen if Bryan Antolos… pic.twitter.com/33B8U3xjOr
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 20, 2024
FDNY’s Bryan Antolos also:
– claimed enemies of America like Hezbollah & Hamas are on the right side of history
– shared a video where an individual claims they refuse to denounce Hamas & Hezbollah because they “love them with all their heart”What would happen if Bryan Antolos… pic.twitter.com/33B8U3xjOr
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 20, 2024
StopAntisemitism is urging the FDNY to set a strong precedent by addressing the matter swiftly and transparently. The organization has emphasized the dangers of harboring individuals with extremist views in positions of public service.
Antolos’ suspension comes at a time of heightened sensitivity around anti-Semitism and hate speech, particularly in light of global conflicts and domestic tensions. As The New York Post report detailed, the FDNY’s response reflects a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining public trust and accountability within public service institutions.
