NYC Mayor Unveils Antisemitism Plan, Omitting Israel and Gaza Conflict

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched the United States' first municipal plan to combat antisemitism, allocating significant funding for security at houses of worship, Holocaust education, and support for hate crime victims. The 35-page report, however, makes no mention of Israel, the war in Gaza, or anti-Israel protests, nor does it examine whether such demonstrations have led to harm against Jewish people.

The city's Office to Combat Hate Crimes will see its budget increase to $29 million annually, up from $3 million previously. This overall budget targets hate crimes against all groups, not solely antisemitism. The plan also includes $6.4 million in grants for organizations focused on prevention and victim assistance, and $1 million for security upgrades at houses of worship, including synagogues.

Additionally, the initiative proposes expanding student visits to the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan, allocating $2 million for the completion of a Holocaust memorial in Queens, and $2.5 million for a Jewish cultural center in Brooklyn. Despite Jewish people constituting about a tenth of New York City's population, they accounted for over half of the hate crime victims reported by police in the first eight months of the year, with antisemitic incidents rising by 9% during the same period.

The omission of Israel and related issues has drawn criticism. Republican Assemblyman Michael Novakhov suggested that Adams himself is a "primary source of antisemitism in the city." Amy Spitalnick, head of a national Jewish organization, praised the practical steps but stated the report should acknowledge violence against Jews occurring under the guise of anti-Israel protest. The plan also refrains from adopting an official definition of antisemitism.

The report's release follows a public exchange between Adams and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had called Adams "the antisemitic mayor of New York" at the UN five days prior. Adams responded by calling Netanyahu's claims "baseless lies." Felicia Wisdom, head of the city's Office to Combat Antisemitism, clarified that Jews who disagree with the mayor are still entitled to city protection. State Senator Liz Krueger, a Jewish supporter of Zionism, welcomed the plan but emphasized that Jews supporting Zionism should also be free to express their views without fear.