New York needs to restore its masking ban to combat antisemitism and other acts of hate

Restoring New York’s Ban on Public Masking: A Priority for Civil Rights Groups and the Jewish Community

New York civil-rights groups and the Jewish community are advocating for the restoration of the state’s ban on public masking, citing concerns about masked mobs of protesters targeting Jews and Israel supporters. The ban was originally implemented in response to masked Klansmen terrorizing African Americans.

Groups like the Urban League, NAACOP, and Anti-Defamation League are alarmed by the rise of hooded and masked protesters engaging in violent attacks on college campuses and city streets. The events such as the 2017 Charlottesville hate march and the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot highlight the dangers of masked “protests” that can lead to violence against minorities.

The #UnMaskHateNY ad campaign, launched in June, aims to mobilize public support for reversing the Legislature’s relaxation of masking restrictions during the pandemic. The campaign emphasizes that masked intimidation aimed at harassment is a form of terrorism and calls for immediate action to address this issue.

While exceptions are made for genuine medical needs, the ban on face-covering is seen as essential to prevent masked individuals from inciting fear and violence. The recent incidents, such as the Hamas atrocities in October 2023 and the alleged shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione, underscore the urgency of addressing masked threats.

Opposition to the ban from civil liberties advocates is criticized, as the ban is viewed as a necessary measure to prevent individuals from hiding their identities while engaging in acts of terror. The argument that mass masking serves a public health purpose is refuted, as the practice has significantly declined without leading to a resurgence of the pandemic.

Lawmakers are urged to support Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz’s efforts to restore the masking ban, as failing to do so would embolden hate groups to continue terrorizing innocent individuals. The repeal of the ban in 2020 is seen as a mistake that must be rectified to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers.