Westchester’s Human Rights Commission probes alleged antisemitic incident at basketball game

The Leffell School, a Jewish school in Hartsdale, reported that its girls' basketball team faced anti-Semitic behavior from players representing Roosevelt High School in Yonkers.

News 12 Staff

Jan 7, 2024, 4:54 PM

Updated 276 days ago

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Westchester County Executive George Latimer has tasked the county Human Rights Commission with investigating an alleged antisemitic incident at a basketball game on Thursday night.
The Leffell School, a Jewish school in Hartsdale, reported that its girls basketball team faced antisemitic behavior from players representing Roosevelt High School in Yonkers.
Latimer emphasized that the county does not tolerate any form of hate. Both schools have condemned the incident. In an updated statement, Yonkers school officials acknowledged a chant of "Free Palestine" but found no evidence to support claims of any antisemitic statements. However, they confirmed the removal of the student involved in unsportsmanlike behavior from the team.
Plans are underway to bring student-athletes and principals from both schools together to address the incident and promote mutual understanding.
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner has sent a letter to NY Board of Regents calling for review of disciplinary actions for improper behavior on school grounds.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has released a statement saying, in part, “Antisemitism at any level is unacceptable, as is racism of any sort. It's even more disturbing when it occurs among our young people.”