Clarke Commends Chair of NYPD Hate Crime Panel

By COLlive reporter

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who represents New York’s 9th Congressional District, has sent a letter of congratulations to Crown Heights community activist Devorah Halberstam on her recent appointment as head of a new Hate Crime Review Panel of the NYPD.

Halberstam, a Crown Heights community activist for many decades, renowned anti-terrorism expert, and an Honorary Police Commissioner for the NYPD, was announced Monday as the Chair of the new Hate Crime Review Panel by NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

“Congratulations on being entrusted with heading the New York Police Department’s new Hate Crime Review Panel,” Congresswoman Clarke wrote.

“You have shared your pain and transformed it into a force for good, uniting people and fighting hate wherever it rears its ugly head. Your experiences as an advocate and leader within the Crown Heights community have made you uniquely qualified to lead this vital initiative. Our city has seen a spike in hate crime unlike any we have seen in several decades.

“You are truly an inspiration to our community and your commitment is unparalleled. I have the utmost faith that you will not rest until we see the removal of bigotry and hate crime throughout our city. As you so eloquently put on the day of your acceptance: “Hate crimes are unique because they are targeted and intentional. They are purposely intended to hurt the identity of a person.” I wish you the best of luck in your mission and please know that my office stands at the ready to assist your task force in any way possible.”

The NYPD Hate Crime Review Panel was established to ensure vigorous enforcement of hate crimes and ultimate justice for New Yorkers who are its victims.

Four other distinguished civilian leaders have joined the panel, including Fred Teng, President of the America China Public Affairs Institute; Pia Raymond, author, professor and social worker; Ed Powell, the longtime President of the 70th Precinct Community Council; and David Warren.

Halberstam is uniquely suited to chair the panel, as a victim of crime herself. Her son Ari Halberstam was murdered by a terrorist on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1994, and she has spent her life fighting for the rights of victims of crime and their families.

The panel will be “another set of eyes and ears for the NYPD,” said Police Commissioner Shea, noting that the panel members are “thinkers and doers, longtime leaders in New York City,” who will be “seeking justice for the residents of New York.”