TESTIMONY
Betsy Smoulder on public safety, anti-Semitic threats, and police support in New York City
2:46:06
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111 sec
Betsy Smoulder shares her concerns about the growing fear within her family and community due to recent anti-Semitic threats and incidents in New York City. She recounts a horrifying instance where Jewish students were locked into a school library to keep them safe from anti-Jewish protesters and mentions that her grandson's daycare center has stopped taking children to the park because of threats. Smoulder expresses gratitude for the police presence and the feeling of security it provides, urging the city council to empower the police to arrest perpetrators of hate and violence to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.
Betsy Smoulder
2:46:06
Hi.
2:46:07
I'd like to begin by thanking you profusely for allowing me and others here today to speak with you in sharing our concerns for our beloved New York City.
2:46:17
In the interest of public safety, I would very much appreciate a separate hearing to address the specific concerns raised by myself and others that have been a concern that have not been exactly on topic.
2:46:30
My name is Betsy Smoulder, and I've lived in Manhattan all of my adult life.
2:46:34
I went to college here and my husband and I chose to raise our 3 children here.
2:46:39
Aside from learning to be a street savvy New Yorker, I was never fearful and nor were my children.
2:46:46
Sadly, this has changed dramatically over the past few months, and we are afraid My son, who's an alum of Cooper Union, was horrified as we all were by the recent situation where Jewish students were locked into the school library.
2:47:02
To keep them safe from anti Jewish protesters.
2:47:05
My one year old grandson's day care center is no longer taking the babies to the park because of threats made against Jewish babies.
2:47:15
Is this our New York?
2:47:17
Our big, diverse apple.
2:47:19
I am so grateful for the police presence and attendance at protests around the city.
2:47:25
And while we may not be able to read readily eradicate and educate I'm sorry.
2:47:30
Educate and eradicate hate, the police serve as a deterrent and help make us feel more secure.
2:47:37
On behalf of my family, my community, and I imagine all decent citizens who love this city as I do.
2:47:44
I beseech the city council to empower the police, to continue to be a presence arrest perpetrators of hate and violence, and ensure that all New Yorkers feel safe.
2:47:56
Thank you.