Suffolk County unveils 311 hotline to report antisemitic incidents
Those who live in the county can call 311 to report any antisemitic act they witness or are a victim of.
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Suffolk County has a new way for residents to report antisemitic incidents.
Those who live in the county can call 311 to report any antisemitic act they witness or are a victim of.
American Jewish Committee Long Island regional director Eric Post says 84% of Jewish Americans who experience antisemitic acts are not reporting it to authorities.
Officials say this makes it harder to help victims at a time when hate is on the rise.
Police say there have already been a combined total of 34 hate crimes and incidents, which already exceeds the amount in 2022.
Suffolk County Executive says residents should report all antisemitic incidents that they see.
Suffolk County Jewish Advisory Board vice chairperson Michelle Herman says the 311 initiative is about unity through community.
All four of Herman’s grandparents survived the Holocaust, and she has also experienced antisemitism.
“I always say that if my grandparents told me one story a day from the concentration camps, that I would have a different story for every day of my life,” Herman says. “That’s how many heart-wrenching stories.”
She says she is dedicating this moment in her grandparents’ memory and honor.
Officials say that 311 is not a replacement for 911. They say 911 should be called in urgent or emergency situations.
The 311 line is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
