Protect Our Safety: Oppose Mask Bans!
In New York, mask bans are being marketed as "counter-antisemitism" measures - but mask bans won’t keep us safe. Join us in saying #NoNYMaskBan!
Mask Bans Embolden Bigotry and Hate
At Nassau County's mask ban hearing, disabled and immunocompromised individuals endured severe harassment and discrimination. Masked speakers were booed, mocked, and deliberately coughed on, with no consequences for the perpetrators. If mask-wearers faced this in a government building, we fear the ban’s real-world impact.
This is not an isolated incident. Anti-mask stigma has intensified since 2020, and we’ve begun tracking incidents. If you’ve witnessed or experienced anti-mask harassment, please report it using our form.
Mask Bans Endanger Everyone
Banning masks won't stop antisemitism, but it will immediately harm the health of all New Yorkers, visitors, and commuters.
Everyone Deserves to Mask: Masking is for everyone, not just those at high risk. People mask to protect their families, communities, and themselves. With 10% of cases leading to Long COVID, everyone should have the right to mask without question.
Increased Discrimination: New Yorkers have already faced physical attacks due to mask usage. Bans would escalate existing stigmas and harassment. This disproportionately affects BIPOC New Yorkers, who face higher threats from police and the public when wearing masks.
Threats to Jewish Safety: Mask bans have been pushed for years, but are only now using Jewish pain as pretext. These bans ignore the root causes of antisemitism and could perpetuate dangerous tropes. Real solutions come from education and solidarity, not compromising our health and liberties.
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About NY’s Mask Bans
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Dear New York Elected Officials,
We write to you as Jewish New Yorkers, commuters, and potential tourists who are deeply concerned to learn that New York elected officials are proposing banning face masks in public places, even as COVID-19, as well as other viruses and pollution, continue to harm New Yorkers. We are particularly horrified that such bans could be enacted in the name of “combating antisemitism.” Mask bans are a direct violation of Jewish values as well as being ableist, infringing upon First Amendment rights, and putting all New Yorkers in danger.
Masks are essential tools for health. We oppose any legislation that compromises our safety, or that of our congregants and community members, under the guise of security. Everyone—whether ill, immunocompromised, disabled, an older adult, or simply exercising caution—must be allowed to wear masks to help protect themselves and others from illness. A mask ban claiming to protect Jews from antisemitic acts would only place them in greater danger…
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