DATE: March 6, 2025
Agudath Israel strongly supports S.3070/A. 3133 which would establish the crime of masked harassment as a violation.
New York’s anti-mask law was first enacted in 1845 in response to tenant uprisings in which protesters used masks to evade identification while resisting law enforcement. In the 20th century, the law became an important tool in combating the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups that used face coverings to terrorize marginalized communities. The law was later removed due to public health concerns in 2020 because of COVID-19 and was a necessary public health measure. However, the removal of this deterrent has since emboldened bad actors who exploit anonymity to threaten others. Now that the pandemic has subsided, it is crucial to restore these protections and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of masked intimidation targeting Jewish communities. Hate groups and individuals have exploited the lack of restrictions to conceal their identities while engaging in acts of harassment, vandalization, and spreading antisemitic propaganda. The reinstatement of this law will serve as a deterrent and provide law enforcement with the tools needed to hold perpetrators accountable.
Antisemitic incidents in New York have reached alarming levels. In 2023, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documented 1,218 antisemitic incidents in the state, more than doubling the previous record set in 2022. These incidents accounted for 44% of all hate crimes and 88% of religious-based hate crimes in New York that year. In 2024, New York City reported over 300 antisemitic hate crimes, a 50% increase from the previous year, making Jewish individuals the
most frequently targeted group. Notably, in 2025 (up until March 2nd), there have already been 47 reported antisemitic incidents in New York City alone, indicating a troubling continuation of this trend.
Agudath Israel also notes that the proposed bill contains copious carveouts for the wearer for celebratory, health and safety, religious, occupation, and other reasons, leaving little legitimate reason to oppose the bill. Restoring this law would also provide safety for all New Yorkers. Hate does not discriminate, and this legislation will benefit communities of color, immigrants, and religious minorities alike.
For these reasons, Agudath Israel of America urges the Legislature to pass this bill without delay. New York has led the nation in protecting vulnerable communities before, and it must do so again. We stand in full support of this measure and call on our elected officials to prioritize public safety by voting in favor of this critical legislation.
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