New York City has always been a haven for Jews, among other peoples oppressed elsewhere, but it seems increasingly to be a home for antisemitism.
There are a few people standing up to the trend, and we hope they can seize the momentum from those driven by one of the world’s worst hatreds and turn things around.
One week ago, one of the most Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in Queens was targeted by so-called protesters ostensibly objecting to land sales in territories occupied by Israel. “Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here,” the mostly masked demonstrators chanted.
This was outside the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills synagogue. Across the street is a yeshiva. Living in the homes on the corner where the event took place are Jews.
What is Hamas, the group the protesters pledged allegiance to? It’s the terrorist organization that invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and slaughtered 1,200 men, women and children in the most vile ways possible, sparking a war.
This event was not just a rally. It was a threat.
“Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the genocide of Jews,” Gov. Hochul rightly said on social media. “No matter your political beliefs, this type of rhetoric is disgusting, it’s dangerous, and it has no place in New York.”
We were glad to see a counterprotest, with American and Israeli flags being held high together.
Last week did not even mark the first time these vile antisemites have taken their hatred to Kew Gardens Hills. A similar rally was held there in July 2024, outside another synagogue.
One might draw a distinction between opposing the Israeli government and opposing Jews. The first may not be antisemitism while the second surely is. But once you support Hamas, there’s no hiding. You’re a Jew hater.
“Meet in queen gotta let’s theses Jews know we not playin!!!” said one promo for the KGH hatefest. Such eloquence.
There’s a lot of Jew hatred going around these days. Also last week, the Chronicle reported on a Hollis man’s indictment for alleged online threats. “Imma kill ALL you filthy ZIONIST!!!” was just one of many posts prosecutors said he put up. He also claimed to have beaten up “an Israeli” in the subway.
Maybe he did. Attacks on Jews are by far the most common hate crimes in the city, according to the NYPD. It confirmed 224 cases in the first three quarters of 2025. The next highest targeted group were black, with 37 incidents. Muslims saw 18.
Over in Jackson Heights, the issue has been widespread antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas. Community leaders believe they know who some of the perpetrators are, and this week they filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, seeking an investigation into hate crimes and civil rights violations.
In response to all of this, especially the protests, the City Council may take action. Speaker Julie Menin is planning legislation that would protect houses of worship from such demonstrations. The law would codify measures former Mayor Adams had put in place by executive order, which Mayor Mamdani immediately repealed upon taking office. We look forward to such a law being introduced and getting passed. It is not a violation of free speech but a codification of the free practice of religion.
Mamdani also reversed an order Adams put in place against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which seeks to cripple Israel by destroying its economy. The Nazis did something similar to German Jews leading up to the Holocaust.
Several members of the Council have filed a Freedom of Information Law request to get insight on why Mamdani made these moves. Whatever the reason, we hope he lives up to his pledge to fight antisemitism. One way to do that would be to sign the bill we hope Menin writes and brings to the floor very soon.
New York must remain a welcoming place to Jews all over.