Albany, New York – New York State Assemblymember Charles Lavine has issued the following statement in response to the attack against a rabbi in Forest Hills, Queens, on Tuesday, which was International Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“I am disgusted by the unprovoked attack on Rabbi David Shushan, who was on his way to synagogue on a day symbolizing our hope for a better world. We will not stand idly by when confronted by acts of violence against *anyone* in our community, regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, or gender choice. I am deeply concerned about the continual rise in antisemitism, not just in our area, but globally. Left unchallenged, hatred will continue to metastasize. We must all stand together to defeat the primitive impulse that impels such violence fueled by hate. As Americans and as New Yorkers, that is our obligation and our responsibility.”