The Big Apple’s Struggles

New York City is grappling with rising tensions.

Recent reports indicate that hate crimes citywide surged over 70% last month compared to the previous year, largely due to a troubling increase in anti-Semitic incidents. Newly released crime statistics from the NYPD underscore this trend.

While there have been significant declines in murders, shootings, and other major offenses, hate crimes seem to defy the overall improvement. The data reveals a notable rise in attacks against Jewish individuals and other targeted communities in May compared to the same month last year.

“The rise in anti-Semitic crimes doesn’t surprise our community,” stated Moshe Spern, President of United Jewish Teachers, during a conversation with the Post.

“What else can we expect when the city’s mayor makes negative remarks about Jews and the nation in public speeches, engages with anti-Semitic figures like Mahmoud Khalil, and defends past controversial social media posts by his wife, all while having an office focused on fighting anti-Semitism on paper?”

Controversy recently surrounded Mayor Zoran Mamdani after he chose to boycott last month’s Israel Day parade, an action perceived as disrespectful by Jewish leaders.

“He’s part of this growing issue and seems to be aware of it,” Spern added.

The crime patterns this May mirrored those from April; there was a marked decline in major crimes overall but, alarmingly, an increase in hateful acts, especially targeting Jewish individuals.

In total, the NYPD reported 68 hate crimes last month, which is a significant rise from 39 in May of the previous year.

Of those, 41 were identified as anti-Semitic, reflecting a 70.8% increase from the 24 incidents reported last May. Additionally, there were 10 incidents aimed at individuals based on religion, compared to just one in 2025.

The statistics also noted five incidents against Muslims, slightly higher than the three recorded last year.

While this data raises concerns, it contrasts sharply with a positive report from New York’s Finest, highlighting that murders and shootings are at historic lows. Overall major crimes are down nearly 11% compared to May 2025, with a 6.2% decrease noted since the start of this year.

This year, the NYPD has responded to 102 homicides across the five boroughs, marking a record low for the initial five months of the year compared to 129 the same time last year.

In May, the city recorded only 51 shootings, with 58 victims, both lower than the figures from May 2025, which were 53 shootings and 65 victims.

The Bronx, often under scrutiny, reported an 11% drop in major crimes this year, showing the most significant decline among the boroughs.

“New Yorkers across the city are benefiting from a well-strategized police response,” stated Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

She added, “Our achievements stem from targeted policing that utilizes data, minimizes gang activity, and ensures officers are deployed effectively according to needs.”

Yet, despite these successes, the NYPD has struggled to curb the surge in hate crimes, particularly anti-Semitic acts, following the conflict in Gaza, which has intensified local tensions.