Cuomo Calls for National Guard Deployment Amid Rise in Anti-Semitism

Edited by:  Fern Sidman

In a recent plea, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has urged his successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, to deploy the National Guard to protect Jewish communities in the wake of a surge in anti-Semitism following the war that was launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, as was reported by the New York Post.^, In an unprecedented attack on that day, Hamas murdered over 1400 Israelis and others in southern Israel and took over 240 people as hostages.

Cuomo, who resigned in August 2021 amidst a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, stood in solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, “I stand with the Jewish community during these difficult times: an attack on any New Yorker is an attack on every New Yorker,” according to the Post report.

Drawing attention to the escalating threat, Cuomo emphasized that while in previous years, New York leaders had increased police presence in synagogues and Jewish neighborhoods following attacks or threats, the current wave of anti-Semitism is unprecedented, as was indicated in the Post report. He asserted, “However, the scope of anti-Semitism post the October 7th attack on Israel is widespread, dangerous, and the worst that I have seen in my lifetime.”

Cuomo passionately argued for concrete actions, calling for the deployment of the National Guard to Jewish centers and places of worship.

“It’s time to deploy the National Guard to Jewish centers and places of worship and send a clear message: Hate has no place in New York and anyone who trafficks in it will be held responsible to the fullest extent of the law. We need to speak with one voice and say ‘We are with you. You target a Jew, you target me too,’” he said, according to the Post report.

The Post also reported that he asserted that such a move would send a powerful message that hate has no place in New York and those promoting it would be held accountable under the law.

However, Governor Hochul’s spokesperson, Avi Small, responded by highlighting the steps already taken by the current administration. As was reported by the Post, Small mentioned that on October 7, Governor Hochul promptly deployed the New York State Police to protect Jewish New Yorkers at synagogues and other community sites. Additionally, the Post report indicated that Hochul announced significant financial allocations, with $50 million for law enforcement and $25 million for at-risk community groups to combat the surge in bias crimes. The governor also outlined a comprehensive plan to combat anti-Semitism, including an independent state probe of anti-Semitism at the City University of New York.

Despite these measures, Cuomo’s call for the National Guard has sparked a divided response among New Yorkers. Critics, such as former Brooklyn state Assemblyman Dov Hikind, accused Cuomo of grandstanding and creating unnecessary fear within the community, according to the Post report.

Hikind, the founder of Americans Against Anti-Semitism, (an organization that confronts Jew hatred both in the US and around the world) said, “Give me a break. Our city is not burning. Cuomo is grandstanding. He’s trying to be relevant,” as was noted in the Post report.

Hikind added,  “The last thing the Jewish community needs is someone creating more fear and trepidation.”

On the other hand, political consultant O’Brien Murray applauded Cuomo’s proposal, asserting that the former governor’s experience and knowledge of government make his perspective relevant, the report in the Post said.

Cuomo’s recent public appearances have demonstrated a renewed and vocal presence, addressing not only the anti-Semitism issue but also criticizing President Biden and Governor Hochul over the migrant crisis, the Post reported. Through his podcast, “As a Matter of Fact,” Cuomo has become an outspoken critic of the political dysfunction in the nation’s capital.

While Cuomo’s call for National Guard deployment has stirred debate, it has also brought attention to the pressing issue of rising anti-Semitism and the need for collective action to ensure the safety and security of New York’s Jewish community.