Antisemitic Hate Crimes Rise in New York During Mayor Adams' Early Tenure

New York City has seen a nearly 9% increase in hate crimes during the first seven months of Mayor Eric Adams' administration in 2026, with antisemitic incidents comprising the majority. According to local police data released between August 4 and 5, 205 antisemitic hate crimes were recorded in the first seven months of 2026, up from 189 in the same period in 2025. Jews, who make up about 10% of the city's population, were targeted in approximately 56% of all hate crimes, while other minorities such as Muslims, Black, and Asian communities accounted for the rest.

This rise in antisemitic violence occurred despite an overall decline in major crimes, including historically low rates of shootings and murders. The Jewish community in New York, which is the largest outside Israel, has sharply criticized Mayor Adams, accusing him of exacerbating antisemitism through his rhetoric, particularly his harsh criticism of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. State Assemblyman Sam Berger, himself Jewish, told the Wall Street Journal that Adams' political rhetoric has become increasingly divisive and inflammatory toward the Jewish community.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, also condemned Adams, warning that the mayor's obsession with attacking Israel legitimizes antisemitic attitudes and endangers New York's Jewish population. Mayor Adams responded by affirming his administration's commitment to combating antisemitism, stating that it "will never be accepted or tolerated" and highlighting increased funding for the city's hate crimes prevention office.

The heightened tensions are underscored by recent violent incidents, including a stabbing attack less than two weeks ago targeting a 50-year-old Jewish man and a 57-year-old Asian man in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, during which the assailant reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar." These developments have intensified concerns within the Jewish community about safety and the impact of political discourse on hate crimes in New York City.