Sullivan County Officials Condemn Antisemitic Attacks in Fallsburg and Woodbourne

Sullivan County leaders are speaking out forcefully against recent antisemitic incidents targeting Orthodox Jewish pedestrians in the towns of Woodbourne and South Fallsburg.

According to reports, eggs were thrown at multiple individuals walking along Route 42 on Sunday, June 29, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Town of Fallsburg Police Department. While no injuries were reported, at least one incident took place in front of a synagogue, and all the targets were visibly Orthodox Jewish residents or visitors.

The Sullivan County Legislature, along with the Executive Director of the County’s Human Rights Commission, joined the newly formed Sullivan County Coalition Against Antisemitism in condemning the attacks.

“These assaults were clearly antisemitic in nature, inexcusable in every way, and instilled fear in the Orthodox Jewish community, whom we are proud to call neighbors,” said Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz in a public statement. “This Legislature will not minimize, nor stand for, such displays of hate in Sullivan County, and we fully support local law enforcement’s efforts to expose and prosecute the perpetrators.”

Ramone Wilson, Executive Director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission, also issued a written statement addressed to Coalition chair and local attorney Jacob Billig. “No one in our community should live in fear or be subjected to violence and harassment based on their faith,” Wilson said. “These violations of human dignity are wholly incompatible with the values we uphold as a County and as a Commission committed to justice, equality, and respect for all.”

District 7 Legislator Joseph Perrello and District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, who represent the affected communities, added their support. “We are intent on protecting the rights of all our citizens, including those who year after year spend their summers with us,” they said in a joint statement. “We want our communities to be peaceful and welcoming, and we will continue to work with the Jewish community to ensure they feel safe and cared for wherever they are in Sullivan County.”

Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact the Town of Fallsburg Police Department.

The Sullivan County Coalition Against Antisemitism, launched earlier this year, was formed in response to growing concerns about bias and harassment in the region.

Image: Residents listen to comments during a public hearing on a petition to create a village within the borders of the towns of Thompson and Fallsburg at Viznitz Institutions synagogue in Kiamesha Lake on Thursday, August 3, 2023 (Credit: John Meore/The Journal News)