A mayoral initiative to combat antisemitism in NY

Our North Star has always been keeping New York City streets, subways and communities safe. This is a pro-public safety administration, and we know that in order for New York City to be the best place to raise a family, all New Yorkers must feel safe.

Public safety is essential to our city and way of life, where so many faiths and cultures co-exist. New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and for nearly 400 years, this community has shaped our city’s culture, food, creativity, and more. But today, our Jewish community is faced with the rising tide of antisemitism and hate.

Since October 7th, 2023, we have seen antisemitic incidents rise exponentially.

Last year, the New York City Police Department reported that 54 percent of all hate crimes in New York City were against Jewish New Yorkers, and during the first quarter of 2025, that number rose to 62 percent. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League also reported a record number of antisemitic incidents across the country, including the highest number in New York state. We cannot — and will not — be silent in the face of these numbers, which demand decisive action and leadership.

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Last week, we took action by establishing the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism — the first office of its kind to be established in a major city in America — dedicated to fighting antisemitism in all forms across our city.

This new office will establish an inter-agency taskforce to coordinate across city agencies, monitor court cases and outcomes at all levels of the justice system, and liaise with the New York City Law Department on appropriate cases to bring or join. The office will also have the authority to ensure city-funded entities do not promote antisemitism.

Antisemitism is not only a Jewish issue; it is an issue for all of us. It is an attack on the very idea of New York City, a place where people can live side-by-side in harmony, regardless of race, religion, or personal beliefs. These are our communities, our friends, our family, and our neighbors who are being vilified.

As mayor, I take antisemitism, as well as all acts of hate, incredibly seriously. Antisemitism has no place in our schools, on our campuses, or in our streets. I’m not a new friend to the Jewish community; we’ve been working and fighting together for a long time, and you have no greater champion than me.

A few years ago, I had the honor of visiting Yad Vashem. I saw the pages filled with the names of the Jews who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. I saw the pictures of the mothers and fathers, the babies and children, the men and women who were sent to their deaths. I bore witness. It was a moment of deep sorrow and powerful reflection. And it was a moment of renewal to our commitment to not only say “never again,” but live “never again.”

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The Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism builds on the work we have done to live up to this promise. Since coming into office, we have directed the NYPD to take action against hate crimes and violence that threatens New Yorkers.

We have established the city’s first “Breaking Bread, Building Bonds” initiative, which brings people together across communities of every faith, class, and creed to share a meal and explore common bonds. And we established the city’s first Jewish Advisory Council to ensure our Jewish brothers and sisters have a seat at the table so their voices can be heard.

As a 22-year veteran of the NYPD, I have seen firsthand what hate can do, and I know how imperative it is that we address it in all its forms across our city.

All our communities must feel at home, feel safe, and feel free to practice their faiths in New York City. No one should ever feel targeted because of who they are or what they believe — no matter the G-d they pray to or the borough they live in.

Each of us may not share the same faith, but we share the same fate: We are all New Yorkers, and we must continue to work tirelessly, every day, to protect our city’s residents, their families, and our neighborhoods.

Write: Columnist@TheJewishStar.com