Tragedy abroad hits close to home

In the past month, we have seen an unprecedented loss of human life. First, there was the brutal attack on Israeli civilians and foreign nationals by the terrorist organization Hamas. Communities across the world are experiencing profound grief and fear. Here in the Bronx, I want you to know that I am with you as our community navigates deep sorrow and uncertainty. I am doing everything in my power as a state senator to provide comfort, support, and to ensure New Yorkers can feel safe.

As this humanitarian tragedy continues to unfold, I want to appeal to fellow New Yorkers’ sense of unity. The trauma caused by the Oct. 7 attacks and subsequent armed conflict weighs heavy on us. People are hurting and that resonates with me, and we will find common ground.

I have been meeting Jewish faith leaders from across The Bronx and participating in vigils to be present with my neighbors. My office remains equipped to connect community members to emotional support and professional mental health services.

I am deeply concerned about the surge in antisemitic hate crimes in our City and incidents in my district. Targeting or threatening any New Yorker because of their religion, ethnicity, or beliefs is unacceptable.

I am thankful to Governor Hochul for directing critical state funding to curb this egregious rise in hate crimes. We must join together to unequivocally condemn and combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, and every other form of hatred.

As a state senator, I am focused on providing tangible support for our community. I introduced a bill with Sen. Julia Salazar and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher to create a reimbursement fund for New Yorkers evacuating from Israel or Palestine. This bill is in response to a head-scratching policy requiring Americans to be responsible for reimbursing the federal government for the cost of government-funded emergency transportation arrangements.

Our bill will ensure New Yorkers facing an incredibly dangerous situation can return home without worrying about financial burden. Reimbursement would include costs relating to travel, lodging, lost personal property, medical care, related expenses, and repayment made to the United States government.

In times of war, I hope that the international community prioritizes peace and sees the value in each and every human life. I recently had the solemn opportunity, hosted by New York Jewish Agenda, to meet with a family whose loved ones remain in captivity. It was heartbreaking, and underscores the need for us to prioritize bringing every hostage home. I call unequivocally for the immediate release of all Israeli and foreign national hostages.

We must collectively strive toward an era without war and for an existence free from casualties of conflict and terror. We must ensure that civilians, especially children, receive desperately needed aid like food, water, access to health care, and electricity. In times of war, I hope that the international community can prioritize peace, necessities, and safety in accordance with international law.

I call unequivocally upon Israel with the support of the international community to ensure the humanitarian welfare of the innocent Gazans in harm’s way. Children need to be protected from violence of war.

I remain hopeful for a day when we can realize the vision for peace we are building towards. This is the vision I fight for every day as your state senator: for a New York where everyone has affordable and dignified housing, guaranteed health care, high-quality education, and a safe, thriving community.

We have a responsibility as New Yorkers to rebuke hate and condemn violence so we can move towards what I believe is our common goal – to live in peace with dignity.

The author is state senator for the 33rd District