How would politicians, human rights advocates, and the news media respond if such sentences were given out for assaults on members of a different ethnic group?
The sentences given to the assailants in several attacks against Jews in the U.S. in recent years have been shockingly light.
On Oct. 18, 2023, Yehia Amin threatened a group of visibly Jewish men in Times Square, saying, “I want to kill you!” and “Hamas should kill more of you!” before chasing after them and punching one of them – a tourist – in the head.
Amin, whom court records describe as being “of Middle Eastern descent,” pleaded guilty to “assault as a hate crime.” At his sentencing last week, he was smiling and flashed a victory sign after being sentenced to a mere 90 days in prison.
This is just one example of violent offenders receiving a mere slap on the wrist for harming Jews.
Dr. Rafael Medoff, director of the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, asks: How would politicians, human rights advocates, and the news media respond if such sentences were given out for assaults on members of a different ethnic group?
This must stop! Jews must feel safe on the streets of the United States of America! Demand that justice be served!
Send a message to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg at https://manhattanda.org/contact-us/
Alternatively, request an independent review of the unjust conviction or sentence prosecuted by the Manhattan D.A. at: PCJU_intake@dany.nyc.gov
Let’s get hundreds of letters out to show that this injustice will not be tolerated!
Sample letter:
Dear District Attorney Bragg:
I am writing to demand tougher prosecution and sentencing for violent antisemitic hate crimes in Manhattan.
The reported sentence of just 90 days in jail for Yehia Amin, after he pleaded guilty to assault as a hate crime, is deeply disturbing. According to reports, Amin threatened Jewish men with violent antisemitic statements, chased them and punched one of them in the head.
Violent hate crimes must carry serious consequences. When an individual targets someone because he is Jewish, threatens violence and commits an assault, prosecutors should seek meaningful penalties that reflect the seriousness of the crime.
I urge your office to seek the toughest sentences permitted by law in cases involving violent antisemitic hate crimes and to oppose plea agreements that result in inadequate punishment for such violence.
Jewish New Yorkers should be able to walk the streets without fear of being threatened or attacked because they are Jewish. Those who commit violent hate crimes must be held fully accountable under the law.
Please take decisive action to ensure that violent antisemitic attacks are prosecuted with the seriousness they deserve.
Sincerely,
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