Mayoral Candidates Address Rising Anti-Semitism in NYC

In the lead-up to the November 4 election, representatives from a prominent Jewish civil rights organization have called on New York City mayoral candidates to confront the growing issue of anti-Semitism. This plea came during a debate on Wednesday evening, which was the second and final debate before the election.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, emphasized the urgency of the situation by pointing out the unprecedented levels of anti-Semitic incidents within the city. “We urge leaders at every level of government to clearly denounce anti-Semitism,” he stated. He further highlighted the importance of the candidates outlining how they plan to protect the Jewish community during the debate.

The key candidates featured in this debate include Zoran Mamdani, the leading Democrat, as well as former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. The debate will air on NY1 starting at 7 p.m.

Questions for Candidates on Anti-Semitism

• With 54% of hate crimes in 2024 targeting Jewish individuals, what measures will you implement to ensure the safety of Jewish residents?
• What message do you have for Jewish New Yorkers who are understandably anxious about the rise in anti-Semitic incidents?

• How do you respond to concerns from Jewish New Yorkers regarding the phrase “globalizing the intifada,” which they interpret as a call for violence towards Israelis/Jews globally?

Greenblatt made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing a preliminary analysis indicating hundreds of incidents of harassment, vandalism, and violence aimed at New York’s Jewish community that have occurred across the five boroughs in recent years.

Notable threats include an individual who threatened to kill synagogue worshipers while declaring himself the “reincarnation of Adolf Hitler,” as well as plans to “massacre” Jews at a Brooklyn center. Just last February, three assaults on Orthodox Jews occurred within a span of 48 hours.

Earlier in June, a man was violently assaulted while observing the Sabbath, and a student was extradited from Canada for threats against a Jewish center in Brooklyn, claiming to plan an attack in New York.

According to the ADL, New York City recorded a staggering 976 anti-Semitic incidents in 2024 alone, the most in the nation, with a total of 1,437 incidents throughout the state. This reflects a significant concern, especially given that New York is home to the largest Jewish community in the United States and outside of Israel.

Although comprehensive statistics for 2025 will be compiled next year, the ADL notes that the current trend shows no signs of slowing down, marking growing alarm for the Jewish community. In fact, anti-Israel groups are reportedly targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions.

Scott Richman, the ADL’s New York/New Jersey Regional Director, remarked on the pressing nature of anti-Semitism in the city. He expressed that the visible and violent attacks, alongside threats against Jewish spaces, are creating an environment where Jewish New Yorkers are feeling increasingly unsafe, something that is quite troubling given the city’s historical significance to Jewish life.