"The Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council (NEQJCC) joins other concerned groups and supporters on the NYS Hate Crimes Coalition in urging the state to pass this much needed legislation," stated Corey Bearak on behalf of the Council and its President, Joseph M. Varon. "Events elsewhere demonstrate the need for strong laws and sanctions and the clear message these laws and sanctions evidence to those who prey on others based on their bigotry and hatred of people they find different. Last year, the Council organized, with ADL, the Coalition and others, a forum to highlight the need for this legislation to Queens residents and secure commitments from our legislators to pass this bill. We cannot wait any longer. We need - New York needs- this law.