Incidents of antisemitism in NYC increase by 182% while other crimes decrease.

Surge in Anti-Semitic Crimes in New York City

Anti-Semitic incidents in New York City saw a staggering increase of 182% in January compared to the same time last year, even as other crime rates, like murders and shootings, reached historical lows, according to NYPD statistics.

During the first month of 2026, there were 31 reported hate crimes against Jews, marking an increase of 20 incidents from the previous year.

This rise in hate crimes is particularly concerning when juxtaposed against the record lows in shootings and homicides the city experienced in January while many residents faced frigid temperatures.

“Unfortunately, it’s never too cold to be anti-Semitic,” commented Michael Nussbaum, the Queens executive director of the New York Jewish Community Relations Council.

“It’s going to be tough to eradicate hatred as it’s deeply rooted in people’s hearts and minds,” he added.

“We’ve endured persecution and anti-Semitism for millennia. It’s disheartening, but really, what’s new?”

Among the reported incidents was one involving a New Jersey man who allegedly rammed his car into the prominent Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on January 28.

The suspect, identified as Dan Sohail, who has a history of mental illness, faces charges of attempted assault, criminal mischief, and aggravated harassment as a hate crime, according to police. Reports indicated he showed interest in converting to Judaism.

Additionally, on January 27, a rabbi was attacked on his way to a synagogue in Queens. The assailant, Eric Zahra-Grosso, was charged with two counts of assault, including one as a hate crime, following the incident.

Zahra-Grosso allegedly hurled insults at the rabbi, using harsh and derogatory language.

A swastika was also painted in Gravesend Park, a playground frequently visited by Jewish children, on January 20.

Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York State Board of Rabbis, described this spike in anti-Semitic incidents as “a very sad comment.” He remarked, “The temperature of hatred is not lowered by the cold.”

“Those who propagate hate are indifferent to the weather. When hatred festers inside you, it doesn’t matter how cold it is outside.”

Overall, crime in New York City dropped nearly 7% in several key areas last month compared to January 2026, with significant reductions seen: a 30% decrease in robberies and a 16% decline in retail theft, according to the NYPD data.