Velázquez “Infuriated” By Video of Anti-Semitic Hate Crime
Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) released a tweet last Thursday voicing her disgust at the news of another anti-Semitic hate crime in New York.
On Sep. 17, the NYPD released a video of a gang of youth swarming and attacking a Hasidic Jew on Warsoff Place. They have yet to identify the culprits.
“I am infuriated watching this video,” said Velázquez. “We must not, under any circumstance, excuse this behavior that is a violent act of hate. I have authored legislation to address hate crimes & will continue to fight to bigotry & discrimination in our communities. “
Johnson Mourns Loss of Another Cyclist
Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) sent out a tweet yesterday giving his regards to a teenage cyclist who died to vehicular manslaughter in Queens.
On Saturday, cyclist Mario Valenzuela was run over by a dump truck while cycling on Borden Avenue in Long Island City. He was the 22nd cyclist to die in a crash in New York this year.
“Awful news on this beautiful Saturday,” said Johnson. “We have lost yet another cyclist — just five days after we rallied for safe streets. These senseless tragedies must end. We will continue the fight to make our city safer. My condolences to this cyclist’s family and loved ones.”
Kallos Inspired By Young Activists at Climate Strike
Council Member Ben Kallos (D-Yorkville, Lenox Hill) made a guest appearance at the citywide climate strike last Friday.
On Sep. 20, thousands of young students stormed the streets to demand our government to start taking climate change seriously. Kallos was vocal about his admiration for the young protesters’ dedication and passion.
“It’s actually inspiring,” said Kallos. “A lot of these kids, it’s their first time they’re engaged in activism. I’m here hoping that this can define a generation, and that they can take this energy with them to really save our planet in a way that no generation before them ever has.”
Espaillat Continues Push For Puerto Rico Recovery
In anticipation of two-year anniversary of Hurricane María, Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-Washington Heights, Sugar Hill) released a statement on his continuous calls in support of Puerto Rico and the island’s effort to rebuild.
“Today marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Maria and the devastation that continues to impact the American citizens of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Espaillat. “Puerto Rico is an island of 3.2 million people, and 730 days after the storm, Puerto Rico faces a humanitarian crisis that President Trump has failed to acknowledge and adequately address.
“Two years later – schools are still closed, and homes remain boarded. Residents need adequate housing, as tens of thousands of Hurricane Maria survivors still live under leaky tarps. The Trump Administration has failed the American citizens of Puerto Rico and the president has not done nearly enough to help residents get their lives back on track. We cannot turn our backs on our brothers and sisters. Our fight and support of Puerto Rico must continue.”
