OPHC Interfaith Council (OPHC-IFC)

Interfaith Council for Symbols and Words of Peace and Hate (OPHC-IFC)

The NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) established the Interfaith Council for Symbols and Words of Peace and Hate ("OPHC-IFC") as part of its mandate under Local Law 49, which calls for coordinated, community-centered strategies to prevent, reduce, and respond to hate crimes in New York City. The Council brings together faith leaders, cultural representatives, and community voices to explore how words, imagery, and symbolism influence perceptions, shape relationships, and impact community safety across the five boroughs.

Rooted in dialogue, education, and bridge-building, the OPHC-IFC provides a dedicated space where leaders from diverse backgrounds can reflect on the ways language and symbols have been used to marginalize, stereotype, or divide –; while uplifting those that inspire peace, dignity, belonging, and shared humanity. Through ongoing engagement, the Council works to strengthen cross-community understanding, deepen trust, and advance efforts that promote unity over division.

Program Goals

• Support the goals of Local Law 49 by advancing coordinated and community-led approaches to hate crime prevention
• Foster spaces where faith and community leaders can safely and openly discuss sensitive language, symbols, and interpretations
• Promote understanding of how words and imagery can contribute to bias, harm, or escalation within and between communities
• Highlight and elevate symbols and expressions that promote connection, peace, and mutual respect
• Strengthening relationships across diverse traditions, cultures, and identities
• Encourage collaborative action that reduces division and enhances belonging throughout New York City

Activities and Engagement

• Facilitated roundtable discussions with faith and community leaders
• Shared learning sessions on historical, cultural, and linguistic context
• Collaborative reflection on symbols, narratives, and lived experience
• Development of shared language promoting unity and dignity
• Participation in OPHC initiatives, awareness campaigns, and public education efforts
• Opportunities for cross-community dialogue, storytelling, and partnership

Membership and Participation

The OPHC-IFC includes:

• Faith leaders representing a wide range of traditions and practices
• Community-based leaders with lived and cultural insight
• Representatives engaged in bridge-building, diversity, and anti-bias efforts
• Members committed to listening, learning, mutual respect, and relationship-building

Membership reflects the diversity of New York City and is inclusive of communities historically impacted by bias, discrimination, or misunderstanding.

Why This Council Matters

In a city as diverse as New York, words and symbols carry deep meaning. They can uplift or diminish, honor or erase, connect or divide. The OPHC-IFC recognizes that understanding these dynamics is essential to preventing hate, strengthening neighborhood cohesion, and supporting a city where every community feels seen, respected, and safe.