New York City Launches Anti-Antisemitism Program Amid Political Controversy

New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the city's first-ever municipal program to combat antisemitism on Tuesday, September 29. The 35-page initiative includes provisions for assisting hate crime victims, safeguarding religious sites, and Holocaust education projects. Notably, the program does not explicitly mention Israel, the Gaza war, or anti-Israel protests, nor does it address whether such demonstrations have involved attacks on Jews.

The city's annual budget for its hate crime prevention unit will increase from $3 million to $29 million, intended to combat hate against all population groups, not solely antisemitism. An additional $6.4 million is allocated to organizations focused on crime prevention and victim support. A further $1 million will fund the protection of religious buildings, including synagogues. The program also expands school trips to the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan, allocates $2 million for the Holocaust Memorial in Queens, and $2.5 million for a Jewish cultural center in Brooklyn.

Jews constitute about 10% of New York City's population, yet accounted for over half of confirmed hate crime victims in the first eight months of the year, with antisemitic crimes rising by 9% during the same period. In a video accompanying the program's release, Adams stated that caring for and protecting Jewish neighbors is every resident's responsibility.

The program's omission of Israel-related issues sparked controversy prior to its launch. Republican Michael Novakhov accused Adams of being the "main source of antisemitism in the city." Amy Spitalnik, head of the National Jewish organization, welcomed the practical measures but urged the document to acknowledge violence against Jews occurring under the guise of anti-Israel protests. The program does not adopt an official definition of antisemitism.

This plan follows an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN on September 24, 2026, where he labeled Adams an "antisemitic mayor of New York." Adams responded by calling Netanyahu's claims "baseless lies" and accusing the Israeli prime minister of being "the architect of genocide against Palestinians."

Phyllis Wisdom, who is critical of Israel and will lead the city's anti-antisemitism efforts, emphasized that Jews who disagree with the mayor are still entitled to the city's protection. State Senator Liz Krueger, while praising the program, added that Jews who support Zionism should be able to express their views without fear.