City Mourns Mideast Terror Victims By Mayor Rudy Giuliani The City of New York stands with the U.S. Navy in mourning for the victims of last week’s apparent terrorist attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. The bombing was an act of cowardice that has shocked and saddened the world as tensions in the Mideast remain high. Here in New York City there is no specific threat of any kind, according to the Police Department and the FBI, so people shouldn’t worry. However, in an excess of caution, we are increasing patrols and increasing vigilance. Several pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in the city lately, and it’s the Police Department’s job to provide as much safety as possible for both sides, and in an even-handed way. The NYPD is the best police department in the country at handling large crowds and events -- a fact it has proven time and again. People have a right in America to make their views known. Whether you believe that Israel hasn’t been treated fairly, or whether you believe that the Palestinian Authority hasn’t been treated fairly, you have the right to make your point. And you have the right to make that point unmolested. But regardless of what is happening overseas, people have no right to harm anyone else or destroy property here in New York City. The best way to discourage people from doing this is to catch them and put them in prison, like we did the suspects in the attempted firebombing of the Bronx synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur. We want to make certain that everyone understands that a line has to be drawn, and that the Police Department is prepared to arrest anyone who violates the law. Meanwhile, a line of a wholly different sort was drawn down the center of Fifth Avenue last week to commemorate “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” The City joined with Avon, the beauty products company, to paint a mile-long pink line from 42nd Street to 59th Street to spotlight the need for increased breast cancer research and access to care. Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and through the painting of the “pink mile” on one of our most famous avenues, New York City is determined to raise awareness for this disease with the hope that we can save lives. Avon has taken the lead in the private sector to fight breast cancer with record-setting funding that benefits medically under-served women in New York and nationwide. It is fitting that we partner to raise awareness among our city’s residents and visitors from around the world. As part of the City’s observance of this special month, I was pleased to present Avon with a proclamation in recognition of its latest gift to Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. A $10 million contribution will go directly to breast cancer care and research for low-income minority women, primarily in Washington Heights, Harlem and the Bronx. This brings Avon’s total commitment to Columbia Presbyterian to more than $12 million, having provided a $2.2 million grant earlier this year. Finally, New Yorkers are getting set for the first Subway Series in the city in more than 40 years. For the second year in a row, the Amazin’ Mets are playing in the National League Championship Series, with a chance to play their crosstown rivals, the Bronx Bombers. And the Yankees, having made it to the American League Championship Series, are step closer to their 26th World Championship. The one nice thing about the Mets and the Yankees being the World Series together is that I will start planning a parade the day they’re both in the Series, and then we can figure out what the banners will be. I hope it’s the Yankees, but if it’s the Mets, that will be great for the city, too. |
