Statement by Rabbi David Niederman,

President of the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn,

On Reports of Harassment and Attacks on Asian Natives Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak

We are saddened to hear about the harassment of people from Asian descent in conjunction with the coronavirus centered in Asia, and we are horrified to see a clip of a brutal attack on an Asian-Americans in the subway. 

The Hasidic community in Williamsburg and beyond experienced similar attacks during a measles outbreak. As such, we know first hand how wrong, harmful and hurtful it is to stereotype a community based on a health emergency. This is a manifestation of hate based on someone's appearance and rooted in ignorance about disease causes and control. We should all stand united in fighting the real disease of hate, and stand guard against stereotyping communities.