Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) addressed a huge crowd yesterday who had assembled to express their outrage over The Metropolitan Opera’s production of “The Death of Klinghoffer,” an anti-Semitic production that also glorifies and romanticizes terrorism.

“The United States is battling terrorism in the Middle East and incidents of anti-Semitism are on the rise,” Assemblyman Hikind pointed out. “Statistics have shown an alarming growth of anti-Semitism not only globally but also right here in New York. How can the Metropolitan Opera see fit to stage a performance that fuels the fires of anti-Semitism, a performance that romanticizes and glorifies terrorists? I’m beyond shocked. This is an insensitive, morally bankrupt act that hurts everyone. I don’t want my tax dollars being used to support anti-Semitism and terror.”

Assemblyman Hikind was joined by former NYS Governor George Pakaki, Congressman Eliot Engel, and former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey.

Recently, the Assemblyman called for an end to New York State and New York City funding to the Met and said that he is asking his colleagues in the NY State Legislature and NY City Council to support these cuts. Over the last 15 years, the Met received nearly $3 million from New York State and $500K in 2012 from New York City.

“The Death of Klinghoffer” is about the 1985 murder of a 69-year-old disabled Brooklynite who was tossed overboard by Palestinian hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro in a plot masterminded by Palestinian terrorist Abu Abbas.

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