Antisemitism increases in NYC as Israel demonstrates coexistence to guests

Perspectives from Two Cities

Recently, I spent a week in New York City, my hometown, often touted as a global symbol of tolerance and progress. However, during a brief Uber ride, I encountered something deeply unsettling, both as an American and as a Jew.

My driver shared his beliefs with unsettling confidence, claiming the devil had overtaken the world and that only a caliph could bring order. He even suggested that women’s attire invited assaults. This wasn’t a fringe viewpoint—this was Midtown Manhattan on a regular weekday morning.

A Rising Concern

The atmosphere of intolerance doesn’t come from nowhere. Politicians, like Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, have fostered an environment where anti-Semitism is not merely tolerated but, some might argue, accepted. When those in power blur the lines of morality, it inadvertently gives the public a green light to go further. New York now seems to embrace ideas that clash with American principles, putting Jewish communities at genuine risk.

Then, a shift occurred as I landed in Jerusalem for the Sabbath.

Within hours, my children were playing freely with Arab kids at Liberty Bell Park. At the skate park, Israeli teens shared bikes with Arab teens without hesitation. An Arab boy, Ayub, ran up to me, arms wide, while his mother smiled nearby. It felt natural and safe—no divisions, just families living life.

Later in Tel Aviv, I even met a gay Arab-Israeli man on the beach, enjoying drinks and an undeniable sense of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere in the region. He spoke easily, sharing his experience, and it struck me as a potent moment. Israel seems to offer a space where diverse identities can thrive, despite its own challenges.

This is the actual on-the-ground reality, not just selective stories or polished narratives.

In contrast, my experience in New York was marked by my driver’s outline of a theocratic worldview, implying that violence might be justified if societal norms don’t align with his beliefs. When political leaders fail to challenge anti-Semitism or dismiss extremist views, it emboldens those who hold them. Unfortunately, this leaves many in the Jewish community feeling exposed.

Israel continues to champion coexistence, diversity, and personal freedoms—values that seem to slip away in New York. American Jews are increasingly aware of this shift; we notice anti-Semitism entering political conversations and influencing public actions. This atmosphere pushes some to target and threaten Jews openly. Indeed, the foundations of safety that once defined New York seem to be eroding.

Mamdani’s comments aren’t just harmless; they impact the city’s atmosphere, creating a space where someone might casually suggest that attacks could be deemed acceptable if they align with religious standards. This isn’t normal. It certainly shouldn’t be. It’s not the New York that previous generations fought hard to establish.

I refuse to remain silent. I advocate for my children, their friends, and for freedom. That’s why I’m partnering with organizations like NCSY and the Jewish Student Coalition to tackle anti-Semitism in American schools. I’m also working alongside the Yad Vashem U.S. Foundation to uphold memory and truth, especially in times when these values are under threat.