25 years after 9/11: The promise New York failed to keep to its Jews

25 years after the 9/11 attacks, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warns of a surge in antisemitism in the city. Jews, who make up about 10% of the city's residents, were the target of more than half of verified hate crimes. Cuomo argues that antisemitism has become a political tool and warns against its rationalization.

25 years after the 9/11 attacks, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warns of a surge in antisemitism in the city. In his remarks, he notes that Jews, who make up about 10% of the city's residents, were the target of more than half of verified hate crimes. Cuomo explains that this reality leads many Jews to wonder if they are still safe in the city they helped build. He argues that the problem is not just the existence of antisemitism, but the growing willingness to find justifications and explanations for it. Antisemitism, he says, has become a political tool that can be contextualized, rationalized, or selectively condemned. Cuomo clarifies that criticism of the Israeli government is not necessarily antisemitic, but collective blame of Jews for the government's actions is pure antisemitism. He also addresses the terror threat, recalling that in March two ISIS supporters were charged with attempting to detonate explosives. The NYPD has increased security around the 9/11 anniversary and the Jewish holidays. Cuomo concludes with a warning that antisemitism behaves like a dormant virus that strikes back when society's defenses weaken.