New York, NY, May 16, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today commended the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) for its response to allegations that a taxicab driver operated his taxicab while brandishing a Nazi armband with a swastika.

After receiving complaints from the public, ADL expressed concern to the TLC, which subsequently suspended the driver’s operator’s license for 30 days after he pleaded guilty to violating commission rules.

The League sent a letter to the Chief Operating Officer of the TLC, conveying that it was “extremely disturbed by this provocative display,” and urged the commission to promptly investigate.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We applaud the TLC’s swift investigation and successful prosecution of this outrageous and inflammatory gesture by a taxicab driver. By openly displaying this hate symbol identified with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party while operating a New York City taxicab, the driver sent a frightening and offensive message to New Yorkers about who might be welcome – and unwelcome – in the taxicab he was driving.

In disciplining the driver, the TLC sends a powerful message that such a vehement demonstration of hate is unacceptable, and that there are consequences for those who seek to intimidate others.

 

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter @ADL_NY