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Meng Statement Regarding the Jewish Community and COVID-19

October 8, 2020
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today issued the following statement regarding the Jewish community and COVID-19.
"I've experienced how one community can be singled out and unjustly blamed for COVID-19. Bigotry and violence have been directed toward the Asian American community, and we need to prevent that hate from continuing to spread toward my constituents in the Jewish community in Queens. That begins by not blaming COVID-19 transmission on any one group of people, but instead on a set of behaviors.
New Yorkers know the havoc that COVID-19 has wreaked on our city. We have lost loved ones, been forced out of our homes, been laid off from jobs, had to close our businesses, and lost precious time with our friends and family. We all must take this virus seriously to keep transmission rates down.
My constituents in the Jewish community, and many throughout our region, are doing their utmost to follow the rules to keep our city safe. The actions of those not following the rules, amplified by news reports, should not be conflated with the actions of the many who are following the rules. The recent violence and violating of public health guidelines is unacceptable. But there should never be blanket discrimination against the entire Jewish population of New York.
Our standards must be consistent across the city. Everyone must adhere to the rules: no mass indoor gatherings, no large groups inside houses of worship, wear masks, practice social distancing, and encourage testing in our communities.
If we all follow these guidelines, we will get through this together and keep our city safe."