The blindspot of NYAG Letitia James

• Date: 15 March 2021
• Published date: 15 March 2021
• Author: Ronald J Edelstein
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

In the United States for example, brutal attacks on the Asian population have dramatically skyrocketed since the emergence of the coronavirus. Clearly, the deadly virus that has claimed the lives of 520,000 Americans originated in Wuhan, China and has insidiously created an ominous trajectory to over 180 countries. Yet and still, we must ask ourselves if the anger and resentment felt by Americans towards their fellow citizens of Asian descent should manifest itself in violent assaults.

As Jews, we know all too well what it is like to be treated as a hated minority and to fear for our lives at the hands of those who seek our destruction. Yes, the blood stained pages of Jewish history speak to us in the boldest of terms and serve as a gruesome reminder that we were blamed for the dissemination of deadly plagues throughout the ages.

There is no doubt that it is morally incumbent upon us to raise our collective voices in righteous indignation over the terrifying escalation of attacks on Asian Americans, who, for the most part, as hard working, law abiding citizens who appreciate the freedoms they are accorded in the United States.

Recently, in New York City, a rally was held with the specific purpose of unabashedly denouncing in the strongest of terms, the uptick in attacks on people of Asian descent in the city and across the country, according to an Associated Press report

Hundreds of people rallied at Foley Square in lower Manhattan, not far from where an Asian man was critically injured in what police said was an unprovoked stabbing by another man who was charged with attempted murder.

"It's really been terrifying for our community," said Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation, a New York-based advocacy group. "What is happening is not right."

Of the many federal, state and local politicians that took part in the rally was New York State Attorney General Letitia James. She not only denounced the growing number of violent assaults against Asian New Yorkers but she encouraged victims to report attacks.

"Come to my office so that we can do something about it. Come to my office so that we can go after these individuals who hate us and shut them down," Ms. James said.

On her web site Ms. James said, "As we face an unprecedented and uncertain time for New York, the United States, and the world, we must reiterate the fact that this pandemic does not give anyone an excuse to be racist, xenophobic, or biased. No one should live in fear for...