Mamdani unveils NYC antisemitism strategy with millions for security, hate crime prevention

"Jewish New Yorkers should feel cherished and celebrated in the most Jewish city in America," Mamdani said as he unveiled a plan to combat antisemitism in New York City.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday unveiled what he described as the first municipal strategy of its kind in the United States to combat antisemitism, announcing investments in hate-crime prevention, security coordination and Jewish cultural institutions.

The announcement comes nearly nine months after Mamdani took office and revoked several executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams, including measures concerning antisemitism and boycotts of Israel.

"Over the last year, I've met with Jewish New Yorkers across the five boroughs," Mamdani said. "Time and again, I've heard the same thing: antisemitism is real, and it is growing."

According to figures cited by the mayor, Jewish residents account for approximately 12% of the city's population, while antisemitic incidents represent more than half of its confirmed hate crimes. Police recorded 229 antisemitic incidents between January and August, an 8% increase over the corresponding period last year.

Mamdani increases NYC hate crime prevention budget by $26 million

Mamdani said his administration had increased hate crime prevention funding by $26 million, or more than 800%, compared with last year. The strategy includes $6.4 million for community organizations working to prevent hate-motivated violence.

The city will also revive an interagency security working group disbanded in 2024, bringing together agencies including the NYPD and Department of Transportation to identify threats before attacks occur.

Cultural investments include $2 million for the Queens Holocaust Memorial Garden and $2.5 million for the Brooklyn Center for New Jewish Culture.

"Jewish New Yorkers should feel cherished and celebrated in the most Jewish city in America," Mamdani said.

On his first day in office, Mamdani revoked an Adams executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. The definition includes examples addressing certain forms of anti-Zionist rhetoric, including denial of Jewish self-determination.

He also rescinded an order restricting city agencies from participating in boycotts or divestment targeting Israel, along with a directive requiring police to examine regulations governing protests outside houses of worship. Mamdani retained the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism.

Seven major New York-area Jewish organizations criticized the reversal of the IHRA and boycott orders. Mamdani defended the decision, arguing that some Jewish organizations had concerns about the definition and pledging to fight antisemitism through prevention and community engagement.

The newly announced strategy does not adopt a replacement definition of antisemitism. The administration maintains that existing hate-crime and anti-discrimination laws provide a basis for enforcement without a single codified definition.

Mamdani concluded his announcement by appealing to New Yorkers to protect their Jewish neighbors.

"Our safety is bound up together," he said. "That is the work we are undertaking at City Hall, and I am asking every New Yorker to join us."