Indian-American City Council candidate in New York speaks out against spurt of anti-Semitic attacks

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Harpreet Singh Toor, candidate for New York City Council District 23 in Eastern Queens, said he strongly condemns the “alarming rise” in anti-semitism in the city that is resulting in “unprovoked violent attacks” against Jews and across the nation.

Toor is hoping for the Democratic Party nomination in the June 22nd Democratic Primary. District 23 includes the neighborhoods of Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village.

If chosen by his party, Toor could become the first elected official in New York to wear a turban, in the November general elections.

In a May 21, 2021 press release, Toor said he personally experienced hate crime against a person for their religious beliefs.

“Which is why he was instrumental in getting Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign New York State’s religious garb bill, prohibiting workplace discrimination against an employee for wearing a yarmulke, or any other religious garb, in the workplace,” the press release said.

Sikhs have been among the most affected communities targeted in hate crimes nationwide, including in the most recent killings in an Amazon plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“The stain of anti-semitism runs long and deep, and must not be allowed to once again raise its ugly head,” Toor is quoted saying in the press release. “Throughout history Jews have been the scapegoat for all sorts of societal problems. Blaming and attacking innocent Jewish New Yorkers because of the horrors of the war in Gaza is not only irrational, it is un-American, and destroys the basic fabric of our democracy,” Toor said.

“I call on all New Yorkers, especially my South Asian brothers and sisters, to stand strong and condemn hate of all kinds. Now is the time for all good citizens to unite in the fight against hate,” Toor urged.