Sharp Rise in Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes in New York, Police Data Show

New York has seen an increase of about 70% in hate crimes against Jews compared with the same period last year, according to crime data released Wednesday by the local police. The data show that 41 anti-Jewish hate crimes were recorded in May, compared with 24 in May last year.

The figures also indicate that Jews suffer hate crimes more than other groups. This year, hate crimes against Jews accounted for about 60% of all hate crimes in the city, the same share as in May last year, even though Jews make up only about 10% of the city’s population. Muslims were the second group on the list, with five hate crimes recorded against them, compared with three last year. Asians were third, with three hate crime incidents recorded in May, compared with two last year.

This morning, the New York Post reported that a woman named Diana Smith incited against Jews on the New York City subway and also attacked a Jewish passenger. Another Jewish passenger, who declined to be identified, said she boarded the subway when the attacker, Diana Smith, warned bystanders about the “danger posed by the Jews.” Smith then turned to her and said that “Jews eat children.” The attacker was indicted on a series of offenses, including assault, strangulation as a hate crime, and aggravated harassment.

In New York, officials are aware of the troubling trend, and on Sunday Governor Kathy Hochul issued a new order banning protests within 15 meters of houses of worship and educational institutions in the state. The order was signed after anti-Israel protests blocked access to synagogues and schools in some cases. Hochul signed the order hours before the annual parade in support of Israel in New York City, which she plans to attend, unlike Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is boycotting the event.

Mamdani said last weekend that his administration takes seriously its commitment to strengthening the sense of security and belonging of New York’s Jews in the city. At the same time, the mayor stressed that opponents of the parade also have the right to protest. The city will be represented at the parade by the Jewish New York Police Department commissioner, Jessica Tisch.