Governor Hochul has made a mask ban a top policy priority in New York State budget negotiations, citing unfounded concerns about antisemitism.
Let’s be clear: Hochul and state lawmakers are weaponizing real fears about Jewish safety in order to curb freedom of speech, increase government surveillance, and fuel growing authoritarianism.
In addition to being devastating for disabled and immunocompromised people, police forces also use mask bans to target Black, brown, disabled, poor, trans, and queer people — including Jewish people among them. Saying no to mask bans means protecting each other and protecting democracy — and we know thriving democracy is an antidote to the dangers of fascism.
Call the NY Board of Tourism to demand that they advocate to the State Legislature to stop the mask ban. When you’re done calling, send this tool to five friends.
Here’s how to take action:
→ Have your phone near you.
→ Complete this form and you'll get a call connecting you directly to the New York Tourism Board. Follow the prompts to speak to a person.
Here's your script:
Hi, this is { Your Name }. I am a member of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. I’m calling to urge the Board of Tourism to advocate against any mask ban in New York. As a Jewish person, I will not visit and spend my tourism dollars in New York if a mask ban is passed.
Governor Hochul and the original cosponsors of the mask ban bill are saying that banning masks will help to fight antisemitism and keep Jews safe. As a Jew, I wholeheartedly disagree — it will do the opposite.
Banning face coverings puts people's health at risk — especially people with disabilities — and including health and religious exceptions in the bill will not be faithfully or fairly applied. Mask bans will invite police to engage in racial profiling. It will be selectively enforced against target Black, brown, disabled, poor, trans, and queer people — including Jewish people among them.
In New York’s history, mask bans have been used to curb freedom of speech and increase government surveillance. There’s no reason to assume a new mask ban wouldn’t be similarly utilized to selectively silence protestors the police disagree with. We know from our history that freedom of protest and strong democracies keep Jews safe.
I urge you to reject any mask ban to protect New Yorkers against biased enforcement, police harassment, and to safeguard our health and privacy rights.