Alarming figure: number of attacks on Jews in New York sharply rises

The New York Police Department reported to the city council a 182% increase in confirmed hate crimes against Jews during the first month of new Mayor Zoran Mamdani's term. Deputy Police Commissioner Michael Gerber called the numbers "staggering," noting the trend has intensified since October 7. Jews, who make up 10% of the city's population, are the target of over 50% of all religious hate crimes.

The New York Police Department presented data to the city council showing a 182% increase in confirmed hate crimes against Jews during the first month of Zoran Mamdani's tenure as mayor. Deputy Police Commissioner for Legal Affairs Michael Gerber called these figures "staggering" but emphasized that the trend is not new and has significantly intensified since October 7. Jews, who constitute about 10% of New York's population, have consistently been the target of the majority of religious hate crimes this year. City Council member Inna Vernikov, co-chair of the task force on combating antisemitism, stated that the scale of the problem requires it to be regularly raised at all public safety forums. Council Speaker Julie Menin called combating antisemitism a top priority. The article references hearings on September 16 and a publication by JNS.