‘We need to care for each other’ Queens leaders unite to fight ‘virus’ of racism

By Rachel Vick

More than two dozen elected officials, religious leaders and community figures gathered Monday to denounce the recent spike in hate crimes across Queens.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards organized the event following a string of attacks against older Asian residents of Flushing and Astoria, and anti-Semitic vandalism found outside the Rego Park Jewish Center last week.  

Hate is “a virus that has been in our midst long before COVID-19” and has no place  in the most diverse borough, Richards said

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, how you identify or who you pray to — you belong, and Queens belongs to you,” he added. “Queens welcomes individuals of all racial backgrounds, ages, faiths and gender identities. If you do not share our values or our shared future, you can gladly leave.”

Rego Park Jewish Center Rabbi Romiel Daniel addressed the swastika painted on a sign on his synagogue’s steps as well as the surge in hate crimes and discriminatory rhetoric in recent years.

“Together we are strong,” he said.

Bias offenses against Asian New Yorkers increased by 700 percent last year and accounted for 10 percent of all hate crimes investigated by the NYPD in 2020, according to department statistics.

Councilmember Peter Koo recounted his experience as an assault victim last year. He said he did not initially think it was a racist attack, but has since reconsidered. 

New Yorkers have reported more than 500 anti-Asian incidents through a website run by the Asian American Federation, said AAF Executive Director Jo-Ann Yoo. Another 20 reported incidents to her privately, while countless other offenses go unreported, she said.

Yoo urged New Yorkers to be “upstanders,” not bystanders — meaning they take a stand and speak out when encountering racism and bias.

“The virus of racism has plagued the Asian American community. People are afraid to go out,” Yoo said. “What has really impacted me is seeing how so few New Yorkers stepped up.”

“I know it's a shock to see someone get attacked but ... we need to care for each other,“ she added. “The only way we can get through this is together.” 

Victims or witnesses to potential hate crimes can report information to the Queens District Attorney’s Office at 718-286-7010.