(NEW YORK, NY – January 4, 2022) – Gerstman Schwartz LLP & Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein are excited to announce a new legal action partnership with StandWithUs to combat the rise in antisemitic hate crimes. This innovative criminal justice initiative seeks to address the dual problem of a national rise in antisemitic attacks and failures in the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators accountable. Gerstman Schwartz, Assemblyman Eichenstein, and StandWithUs propose to address this problem by pursuing civil legal remedies for criminally based antisemitic actions and raising awareness in the community about the availability of such lawsuits.
As Assemblyman Eichenstein & Gerstman Schwartz’s press release explained, the New York based law firm will file civil lawsuits on behalf of victims of antisemitic hate crimes based on a wide range of civil causes of action, including assault and battery, property damage, trespass to property, trespass to chattel, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil rights claims, and more. Upon the successful resolution of a case, Gerstman Schwartz will have the ability, if necessary, to garnish the wages of the defendant(s) or put a lien on their bank accounts.
As part of the partnership, StandWithUs will rely on its national network of nearly 250 pro bono attorneys. If cases arise outside of New York, StandWithUs will help find local counsel for the litigation while Gerstman Schwartz provides legal expertise and directs the case. The initiative will aim to provide all legal expenses free of cost to the victim.
“The only way to fight fire is with fire. If they decide to attack us, we are prepared to do the same. If violent antisemites think the criminal justice system is the only thing standing in their way, they are very mistaken. We will track them to the end of the earth and impose civil penalties against them and their assets,” said Brad Gerstman, Partner, Gerstman Schwartz LLP.
“If you were a victim of an antisemitic hate crime, now is the time to come forward and file a civil lawsuit against your attackers,” said NYS Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “Filing a civil lawsuit is an additional consequence that will force perpetrators to regret their actions and will serve to deter others from doing the same. With this new initiative, victims of hate crimes will no longer have to suffer while their attackers get released with a slap on the wrist. It’s time for good citizens to stamp out bigotry and intolerance and ensure that justice will be served.”
“We are excited to join in this tremendous partnership with Gerstman Schwartz to help provide remedies for victims of antisemitic hate crimes who might otherwise fail to receive any justice,” said Roz Rothstein, StandWithUs CEO and co-founder. “With antisemitic assaults on the rise, this initiative is desperately needed as a means of holding criminals accountable for their hateful acts targeting Jews. As with our many programs combating antisemitism, this effort will send the clear message that antisemitic violence will not be tolerated on our watch.”
We urge those who have experienced an antisemitic hate crime and are interested in bringing a civil lawsuit to hold the perpetrators accountable, to please contact Gerstman Schwartz LLP at Bgerstman@gerstmanschwartz.com or StandWithUs at legal@standwithus.com.
About Gerstman Schwartz LLP
With collaboration at the forefront of who we are, Gerstman Schwartz LLP is dedicated to creating only the greatest litigation solutions for our clients. Every member of our forward-thinking firm brings with them unique experience from arenas that include litigation, politics, government relations, public relations, and business. Together, we combine our skills to not only help our clients through existing conflicts, but also advise them on future opportunities within social and political landscapes. At Gerstman Schwartz LLP, we’re more than a firm, we’re a team. https://gerstmanschwartz.com/
About StandWithUs
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism.
Through university fellowships, high school internships, middle school curricula, conferences, materials, social media, educational films, and missions to Israel, StandWithUs supports people around the world who want to educate their schools and communities about Israel.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has programs on five continents with chapters and offices throughout the U.S., Israel, the UK, Canada, and Brazil.
For the last ten years, StandWithUs has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator (4 stars) and GuideStar (Platinum).
