Protect Our Safety: Oppose Mask Bans!

In New York, mask bans are being marketed as "counter-antisemitism" measures. Banning masks won't stop hate, but it will put all New Yorkers in danger. Join us in saying #NoNYMaskBan!

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Mask Bans Endanger Everyone

Everyone Deserves to Mask

People wear masks to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Each COVID infection carries a 10% risk of debilitating long-term health issues - a risk that affects everyone, regardless of their age or health.

Threatens Vulnerable Groups

Mask bans would amplify existing stigmas and harassment toward disabled people and enable biased enforcement. This would disproportionately harm BIPOC New Yorkers, who face greater mask-related risks from law enforcement and the public.

A Superficial “Solution”

Regressive mask bans are not new, but are only now using Jewish pain as a pretext. These bans ignore how antisemitism operates and could perpetuate dangerous tropes. Real change requires education & solidarity, not compromising our health and liberties.

Why Jews Are Saying #NoNYMaskBan

  • "As a native New Yorker raised by two rabbis, I strongly oppose this misguided policy. A subtle and slippery foe like antisemitism will not be defeated with such a blunt and irrelevant instrument."

    - Signee

  • "Using Jewish safety as an excuse puts Jews in danger. It assigns blame to Jews for taking away the Constitutional and moral right for every New Yorker to stay safe from COVID."

    - Signee

  • “This ban will negatively impact Jews like me. I deserve to exist in public spaces and protect myself and my community with a scientifically valid and effective tool such as masks.”

    - Signee

  • "We combat antisemitism through community and education, not like this! As a Jew, I am furious that anyone would suggest infringing on the rights of others in the name of combating antisemitism."

    - Signee

  • "A mask ban will cause disease, disability and death. People may wish to, and must be free to protect themselves per their freedom and choice."

    - Signee (Senior Medical Epidemiologist)

  • "It is abhorrent that elected officials are willing to risk the lives of their constituents in the name of “fighting antisemitism” when this lies in direct contrast with Jewish values of protecting people’s lives."

    - Signee

  • "It is my responsibility to protect my high-risk family and community members by wearing a mask, in line with the Jewish values I was raised with."

    - Signee

  • "This will cause harm to countless immunocompromised community members. This ban would prevent many Jews from being able to leave their homes."

    - Signee

  • "The certain public health harms to hundreds of thousands of people from any mask ban far outweigh any theoretical reduction in crime"

    - Signee

  • "This ban would harm me directly, and doing so in the name of protecting me, as a Jew, is counterproductive, if well-intentioned."

    - Signee

  • "We should encourage more people to mask in public -- not discouraging, criminalizing, or preventing our communities from keeping ourselves and one another as safe as possible."

    - Signee

  • "Mask bans will push disabled people out of public life even further than they already are. Banning a piece of medical equipment is segregation of disabled people."

    - Signee

  • "There's no reason to discourage people from wearing medical masks as the Covid pandemic continues, climate change worsens air pollution, and other communicable diseases are making a comeback."

    - Signee

  • "The Torah emphasizes public health and hygiene as means of protecting the community. 
I wish more people took that to heart."

    - Signee

  • "I'm appalled that anyone is considering restricting the right of Americans to wear whatever they want or take whatever steps they wish to ensure their personal safety and the safety of others."

    - Signee

Add Your Voice

About NY’s Mask Bans

Featured
Why Mask Bans Fail Jews and Other Marginalized Groups
Why Mask Bans Fail Jews and Other Marginalized Groups

Proponents of mask bans claim they provide "Jewish Safety," but overlook the needs of disabled Jews and other marginalized communities.

Read More →
Understanding New York's Anti-Mask Proposals
Understanding New York's Anti-Mask Proposals

We've made this overview of recent anti-mask movements in New York to help us all keep track.

Read More →
Health Exemptions Won't Work: Why Mask Bans are Fundamentally Flawed
Health Exemptions Won't Work: Why Mask Bans are Fundamentally Flawed

Proponents of mask bans claim to include carve-outs for "legitimate" use, but enforcing such exemptions based on health criteria is logistically impossible.

Read More →

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. This was not an isolated incident. If you’ve witnessed or experienced anti-mask harassment, please report it using our form.

Take Action Now

Mask bans threaten public health and civil liberties under the false pretense of fighting antisemitism. Sign our open letter today to tell lawmakers the Jewish community opposes these harmful policies!

If you are unable to sign via our Google Form, you may fill out our alternate submission form.

Spread the word!

One of the best ways to help us fight back is by reaching out to your networks. Connect with your communities and encourage them to sign.

Need ideas? Check out our sample messaging and graphics.

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…

Read the Full Letter

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