CAIR-NY Welcomes Hate Crime Charge against Margaretville Man Accused of Harassing Jewish Men
(NEW YORK, NY, 7/31/2024) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a hate crime charge against a Margaretville man accused of harassing and endangering the welfare of a group of Jewish men.
Earlier this week, Joseph VanBlarcom allegedly threw objects and swerved his car at three Jewish men while yelling obscenities. Today, he was taken into custody and charged with Reckless Endangerment as a Hate Crime, and Aggravated Harassment in the 2nd degree.
SEE: Margaretville Man Accused of Hate Crime
SEE: Margaretville Man Arrested, Charged After Swerving and Yelling at Jewish Men
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq. said:
“We strongly condemn acts of hate targeting any faith community. We welcome the hate crime charge brought against this suspect and hope that the increased trends of hate crime and bias incidents across the state targeting multiple communities will diminish soon.”
She highlighted that from January to June 2024, CAIR chapters collectively reported 4,951 incoming complaints, marking a sixty-nine percent rise compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, she mentioned that earlier this month, CAIR-NY condemned an anti-Asian hate crime that occurred on a New York City subway.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated In First Half of 2024
SEE: CAIR-NY condemns Anti-Asian Subway Attack
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com;
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY Communications Coordinator, samar@cair.com