The following statement was issued by Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright following anti- Semitic attacks in New York:

"The raging epidemic of anti- Semitic attacks is horrific and must be condemned at every conceivable level of our city and state. Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their families. They remain deep within our hearts and prayers.

It is profoundly troubling that the heinous acts widely reported as taking place during the Hanukah celebrations are most unfortunately not surprising; the Anti- Defamation League indicates that anti-Semitic incidents have risen in New York by 17 percent from January to November 2019 compared with the same period last year.

This is truly an epidemic of domestic terrorism. It must be confronted by law enforcement with unprecedented coordination and speed. New York State must delve deeply to determine the full extent of the motivation of those depraved individuals wreaking havoc on innocent people. We must stand together against all forms of bigotry and any weakening of our cherished constitutional right to freedom of religion as a society."