Honey in the Big Apple: New York's Jewish community prepares for holidays amid record antisemitism and political tension
New York's Jewish community is preparing for the High Holidays of 5787 amid a sharp rise in antisemitism, violent attacks on synagogues in Manhattan, and political tensions with Mayor Zohran Mamdani. NYPD data shows a 9.4% increase in hate crimes in July, with more than half targeting Jews. Governor Kathy Hochul has promised increased security and pushed for "buffer zone" legislation around houses of worship. Meanwhile, a political shift of Jewish voters toward Republicans and conservatives is noted.
New York's Jewish community, the largest outside Israel, is preparing for the High Holidays of 5787 with an unprecedented sense of emergency. The holidays will fall close to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Last month, 46-year-old Larry Montes broke into the Central Synagogue in Manhattan during a Friday night service, attacked a worshiper and a security guard, and caused destruction. Governor Kathy Hochul visited the synagogue and pledged support: "If you need more budget, if you need more protection, I will send the New York State Police here." She pushed for legislation creating a roughly 15-meter buffer zone around houses of worship. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch promised an unprecedented increase in patrols around Jewish institutions. Police data shows a 9.4% rise in hate crimes in July this year, with more than half targeting Jews. Nationally, ADL analysis shows antisemitic hate crimes accounted for nearly 63% of all religiously motivated hate crimes in 2025. Political tensions with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who accused Israel of "genocide" in Gaza, are exacerbating feelings. Meanwhile, a shift of Jewish voters toward Republicans and conservatives is noted ahead of the November elections.