NYC Police Commissioner Returns to Childhood Synagogue, Vows Protection Against Rising Antisemitism
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch visited Central Synagogue in Manhattan, where she grew up, prayed, and was married, to reassure the Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitic incidents. Speaking to hundreds of congregants on a Saturday night, Tisch promised that Jewish institutions and families would not face rising antisemitism alone and that the NYPD would actively protect them. "Jewish institutions will not be left to defend themselves without the partnership of the New York Police Department," she declared, emphasizing that Jewish families should not have to live in fear to practice their faith.
The event took place exactly one week after Larry Montes, 46, from the Bronx, violently disrupted the synagogue’s Friday night service, shouting antisemitic and racist slurs, assaulting a 63-year-old congregant and a 65-year-old security guard, and damaging property. Montes faces state charges as well as federal hate crime and religious property damage charges that caused injury.
Tisch highlighted that hate crimes send threatening messages not only to direct victims but to entire communities, noting that Jews make up about 10% of New York City's population but represent roughly half of all verified hate crime victims. She cited an 8.5% increase in antisemitic hate crimes so far this year compared to last year, with a 53.3% spike in July alone. Tisch warned that violence can escalate further, stressing the importance of proactive police measures to prevent hate from turning into violence.
She detailed coordinated efforts involving precinct commanders, community liaison officers, intelligence, counterterrorism units, and a hate crimes task force working closely with synagogues and yeshivas to assess threats and bring perpetrators to justice. Tisch concluded by affirming her personal and professional commitment to the Jewish community, supported by 35,000 NYPD officers and specialized units, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of combating antisemitism in New York City.
