Thursday, October 1, 2026
To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Nassau County officials and Jewish leaders gathered Tuesday morning in Mineola to call on New York state to adopt a formal definition of antisemitism.
Speaking from the ceremonial chamber of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis, local town supervisors and members of the County Legislature in urging lawmakers to embrace the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, which identifies antisemitism as hostility toward Jews, including attacks on individuals, institutions and religious sites.
“We are witnessing a repetition of history, a rise of antisemitism, especially in Western Europe, and unfortunately, in the United States as well,” Akunis said.
The IHRA is an intergovernmental body whose definition of antisemitism has been endorsed by the U.S. State Department, the Department of Education and more than 1,000 governments, universities and organizations worldwide.
It describes antisemitism as a “certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews,” and offers illustrative examples to help identify manifestations of Jewish hatred and bias. Supporters say adopting the definition provides a common framework to recognize and confront antisemitism in schools, public life and law enforcement.
Along with advocating for the IHRA definition, county lawmakers have taken steps to address hate-related crimes. The Legislature passed a law banning the wearing of masks in public, a measure aimed at preventing acts of intimidation and harassment. The initiative, introduced by Legislator Mazi Pilip, passed unanimously in 2024.
“If you want to come and rally, you are not going to hide your faces and break laws and intimidate the Jewish community,” she said.
The news conference coincided with the Jan. 27 observance honoring the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Speakers described the day as both a solemn remembrance and a call to action.
As part of the commemoration, county officials announced that the Nassau County dome would be illuminated in yellow Tuesday evening to raise awareness and reaffirm the county’s commitment to combating antisemitism.
“Here in Nassau County, we are completely dedicated to eradicating antisemitism,” Blakeman said, calling on state leaders to take action.
Blakeman, who is the presumptive Republican candidate for governor, framed the county’s approach as part of a broader commitment to protecting all residents amid a rise in antisemitic incidents. Rrgarding penalties, he addressed whether adopting the IHRA definition would affect consequences for people who physically assault those they believe are Jewish.
“We believe that if they do violate the definition of antisemitism, then that is a crime, but unfortunately, New York state has not adopted that,” he said.
While the day highlighted policy and public safety, Blakeman also spoke from the heart. “My sadness is for the beautiful six million souls murdered,” he said. He called the Holocaust the worst act in human history and emphasized that the county will not stand by as hatred persists. “That’s why we are here together,” he added.
He stressed that fighting antisemitism isn’t just about laws or definitions — it’s about building a community where residents feel safe, respected and supported.
County leaders reiterated that remembrance and action go hand in hand. By combining solemn reflection with concrete measures to address antisemitism, officials said they hope to send a clear message that hatred and intolerance have no place in the community.
