Protect Jewish Safety: Reject Mask Bans!
Banning masks won’t stop antisemitism, but it will put Jews in immediate danger. Add your voice to say #NoNYMaskBan!
What’s the Nassau County Mask Ban?
On Friday, July 12, 2024, legislator Mazi Pilip announced an anti-mask bill to the County Legislature of Nassau County in Long Island. It was brought to a committee vote three days later on Monday, July 15th. Despite a massive turnout and powerful testimonies, the committee voted to advance it to a full vote on August 5. All four Republicans voted in favor, while the three Democrats abstained. One Democrat said she was impacted by the comments, noting they stood out from generic form letters. This underscores the importance of using personal stories in our advocacy efforts.
What to Know About the Bill
The punishment could include a $1,000 fine and jail time if Nassau County police deem a mask is worn "illegally." (The bill lacks guidelines for determining legitimate mask use, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement and profiling of marginalized communities.)
Police can require mask removal from wearers with exemptions during traffic stops or when suspected of criminal activity. This could expose individuals to COVID-19, as peak transmission can occur within five seconds.
The bill prohibits mask-wearers from entering public areas or private property without consent, with some exceptions.
It’s worth noting that the day after the committee meeting, Governor Hochul held a conference to announce low crime rates on Long Island, emphasizing how little relevance this bill has.
Take Action Against The Nassau County Bill
The next vote on the Nassau County Bill is scheduled for August 5.
Urgent Action Long Island Toolkit: CovidAdvocacyNY has an action page with contact information and talking points.
Jews for Mask Rights Open Letter: We’re trying to gather more Nassau County signatures to show that this bill does not protect Jewish safety. If you haven't already done so, please sign our open letter and share it with your Long Island networks.
Mask Bans Put Us at Risk
Banning masks won't stop antisemitism, but it will immediately harm the health of New Yorkers, visitors, and commuters.
Masking is for everyone. People wear masks to protect their health, avoid long COVID, and protect their community. There are no workable health exemptions when everyone has the right to protect their health. Since anyone can get COVID-19, everyone deserves the right to wear a mask.
The push for mask bans predates the 2024 conversation. Republican politicians in NY have pushed mask bans since 2021. Mask ban proponents may use Jewish pain as justification, but this was never about our safety.
A mask ban would increase COVID risk for all, especially for the 75% of Americans at high risk. Doing this to “protect” Jews – 20% of whom have a disability and many of whom mask for safety – is beyond the pale.
About NY’s Mask Bans
Sign Your Name
We will display only your name and title only to relevant elected officials upon delivering the letter. We may contact you for future organizing and use parts of your comments anonymously on social media. Please contact us with any questions.
If you are unable to sign via our Google Form, you may fill out our alternate submission form.
Spread the word!
Share the letter on your socials through the links below. Need ideas? Check out our sample messaging and graphics.
Dear New York elected officials,
We write to you as Jewish New Yorkers, commuters, and potential tourists who are deeply concerned to learn that both the governor and the mayor of NYC support banning face masks on the subway and in other public places, even as COVID-19, as well as other viruses and pollution, continue to harm New Yorkers. We are particularly horrified that such bans could be enacted in the name of “combating antisemitism.” Mask bans are a direct violation of Jewish values as well as being ableist, infringing upon First Amendment rights, and putting all New Yorkers in danger.
Masks are essential tools for health. We oppose any legislation that compromises our safety, or that of our congregants and community members, under the guise of security. Everyone—whether ill, immunocompromised, disabled, an older adult, or simply exercising caution—must be allowed to wear masks to help protect themselves and others from illness. A mask ban claiming to protect Jews from antisemitic acts would only place them in greater danger…
Reject Nassau County’s Mask Ban!
Nassau County is on the brink of passing dangerous mask ban legislation under the guise of protecting Jewish safety. This bill threatens jail time and $1,000 fines for wearing face masks. Even with exemptions, law enforcement can demand mask removal, potentially exposing high-risk individuals to COVID in the process. Let’s prove the Nassau County Jewish community rejects this narrative!
CovidAdvocacyNY has a toolkit to take immediate action: