Cash juices fight against anti-Semitic crimes in Nassau

In the wake of 15 reported possible anti-Semitic hate crimes this year in Nassau County, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island has partnered with county officials and Roslyn resident Brad Gerstman to offer rewards for information.

“Three of those reports have occurred in the Five Towns,” said Det. Lt. Gary Shapiro, the commanding officer of the police department’s Community Affairs unit. “Most of those cases are criminal mischief, property damage type crimes using words and symbols such as a swastika.”

County Executive Ed Mangano said that “Nassau County will not tolerate bias crimes and is meeting with Jewish community leaders to discuss enhanced security measures during the upcoming High Holidays.”

The fund, begun with a $1,000 donation from Gerstman, will reward individuals who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of those committing anti-Semitic crimes.

The Community Relations Council has created an escrow account that will accept tax-deductible donations of any size. The amount of each reward will be made by the council, in consultation with law enforcement agencies.

Gerstman said that he was moved to create this fund after an event at the Nassau County’s Holocaust Museum and Tolerance Center this summer. “I would love to solve the world problem of anti-Semitism, but that isn’t realistic, so I want to help make sure Long Island stays safe from anti-Semitic hate crimes,” he said. “I’m concerned about the violence against Jews, especially here on Long Island.”

“I want to thank Brad who brought the concept of this fund to our attention,” said Council Executive Director David Newman.  “We are proud to help with actualizing his vision.”  

Donations can be made to the JCRC of Long Island at 6900 Jericho Tpke,, Suite 302, Syosset NY 11791.