Jewish Students Hold Prayer Gathering Outside NYC Mayor's Residence

On Friday, September 18, students from two Jewish schools held a prayer gathering outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Organizers stated the event aimed to showcase Jewish and Zionist identity and protest rising antisemitism in the city. The initiative followed several recent attacks on Jews in New York, including a stabbing near a synagogue in July and an assault on two men at the Central Synagogue in August. The students decided to publicly affirm their Jewish identity in response to these incidents. The choice of location was deliberate. While school leadership described the event as a prayer gathering, participants also expressed support for Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some parents, alumni, and students opposed holding the event at the mayor's residence, fearing it would draw the students into political conflict. Mayor Adams stated he respects the students' right to hold the event, noting, "They can have a vigil, and some are calling it a protest." He indicated he would likely be elsewhere during the gathering.