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The New York assemblyman advocating for a memorial of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel has expressed his disappointment with party leadership for failing to support what he described as a significant bill. Assemblyman Lester Chang, a Republican from Brooklyn, has been pushing for a formal state remembrance of the attack since the beginning of hostage negotiations more than a year ago.
Chang referenced his military background as a Navy veteran, stating, “I’m a Navy veteran of 24 years and I did a tour in Afghanistan. So I understand what war is all about. I’ve seen atrocities out there.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing traumatic events that impact communities and families.
When prominent American figures, including former presidential candidate Donald Trump, became involved in the negotiations for hostages, Chang instructed his staff to draft a formal message. This process required over a month of revisions to ensure it was balanced and devoid of partisan bias.
Initially, Chang submitted the proposal in January as a resolution, which was swiftly rejected. He recounted, “We submitted it in January as a resolution, and it was rejected because [leadership] said it was ‘controversial.'” Surprised yet not entirely taken aback, he decided to modify the proposal into a bill, believing that this format would ensure lasting recognition, unlike a resolution, which only remembers an event for that year.
Democratic Co-Sponsors and Legislative Blocking
With a small number of Democratic co-sponsors, Chang and his colleagues felt the bill had potential for a vote. Unfortunately, it was blocked by House Speaker Carl Heastie and other influential Democrats. The New York Post reported that Chang’s bill, which was intended for a smaller governmental operations committee, was redirected to the larger Ways and Means committee, where members were unexpectedly switched out.
Assemblyman Ed Ra, the top Republican on that panel, voiced his frustration over the situation, asserting that recognizing the October 7 attack and fighting against antisemitism should not be politicized. Meanwhile, Assemblyman Ari Brown, also a Republican representing Long Island, accused Democratic lawmakers in Albany of engaging in “veiled antisemitism,” claiming that the legislature is saturating the issue with partisanship.
The Impact of Partisan Politics
The assembly also rejected a supporting resolution from Brown that was complementary to Chang’s bill. Chang described this legislative session as particularly unproductive for Republican bills, stating, “Having me as a Republican sponsor would proceduralize the choke point— it’s not about me personally, but about my political identity.”
Demonstrating a willingness to set aside party lines, Chang pledged to support a resolution even if it meant allowing a Democrat to sponsor it. He noted, “I would just as soon give this bill to a Democrat to sponsor if it meant commemorating the October 7 attack.” As a representative of a diverse constituency with significant Asian and Italian populations, Chang emphasized that he does not have a personal religious interest in the bill, enhancing the bill’s perceived impartiality.
Support Within the Democratic Party
Despite the challenges, Chang reported some support, with at least seven Democrats from New York City expressing their backing for the bill aimed at remembering the October 7 events. This development indicates a degree of bipartisanship around the need for remembrance amidst broader political discord.
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, another Republican from Niagara Falls, echoed Chang’s concerns in a conversation with Fox News Digital. Ortt stated, “Many New Yorkers had loved ones injured or worse in the terror attacks in Israel on October 7. The least we can do is commemorate this tragic day.” He criticized the Albany Democrats for their reluctance to take straightforward actions that would acknowledge the pain experienced by Jewish communities.
A Call for Reflection
Amid the ongoing debate, the failure to pass the commemoration bill raises significant questions about the politics of remembrance in New York State. The assembly’s choice to reject such a proposal based on political calculations underlines a growing trend where important social issues become mired in partisan conflicts. Chang’s experience highlights the complexities faced by lawmakers attempting to navigate the intersection of personal values and political realities.
Chang’s determination to champion the memory of the October 7 attack reveals a broader sentiment among constituents yearning for recognition and support. He firmly believes that memory can serve as a bridge for healing, calling upon the legislature to overcome its divisions in favor of a united front in the face of tragedy.
As political leaders continue to engage in discussions about the implications of such devastating events, the question remains as to whether they can rise above partisan divides to create a meaningful legacy of remembrance that honors victims and strengthens community bonds.
The failure to advance this bill reflects more than just political disagreements; it illustrates a profound disconnect between the legislature and the communities they represent. Moving forward, it begs the question of how lawmakers will respond to public sentiment in times of crisis and how they prioritize issues that genuinely matter to their constituents.
