Hundreds of Jewish Students Protest Outside NYC Mayor's Residence

Hundreds of Jewish students and community leaders gathered outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, on Friday morning. The event, described by organizers as a public prayer led by students rather than a demonstration, took place on East 88th Street, two days before Yom Kippur.

The gathering was prompted by a series of antisemitic attacks over the summer, including a stabbing near a synagogue on the Upper West Side in July and an assault during Shabbat services at a Reform synagogue in August. Organizers stated the event aimed to show students' pride in being New Yorkers, Jews, and Zionists, asserting their commitment to the city. "We are here. This is the largest diaspora city, and we are not going anywhere," said Rabbi Binyamin Kraus of SAR, one of the organizers.

While the event was police-approved and proceeded as planned, some parents and alumni expressed reservations, viewing the location as a political protest against Mayor Adams and signing a petition to cancel it. Mayor Adams responded by welcoming the students, stating they had a place to hold their prayer or protest outside his residence. He was reportedly not present at the location during the event.

The timing of the gathering is sensitive, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled to address the UN General Assembly next week. Tensions between segments of the Jewish community and the mayor, who has previously called for his arrest, have led to past demonstrations outside the mansion.