Eric Adams Launches NYC's First Office to Combat Antisemitism

Establishment of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism

• 🎯 Mayor Eric Adams announced the creation of a new Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, the first of its kind in a major U.S. city.
• 💡 This initiative is a substantive response to a critical rise in antisemitic incidents, aiming to send a clear message that antisemitism cannot thrive in New York City.
• 🔑 The office will adopt a head-on approach to address antisemitism across various sectors, including college campuses, schools, and workplaces.

Addressing the Surge in Antisemitic Incidents

• 📈 In the first quarter of 2025, hate crimes related to antisemitism rose by 62%, with a record number of incidents reported nationally in 2024.
• ⚠️ New York City has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, yet Jewish New Yorkers constitute over 51% of hate crime victims.
• 🚫 The administration emphasizes that hate has no place in the city and will not tolerate specific groups being targeted.

Office Structure and Leadership

• 🤝 The office will establish an inter-agency task force to coordinate efforts across city agencies and ensure city-funded entities do not promote antisemitism.
• 🏛️ It will monitor court cases, liaise with the law department, and has the authority to review city funding recipients.
• 🌟 Moshe Davis has been appointed as the inaugural director, recognized for his tireless efforts in building bridges and combating antisemitism.

Broader Implications and City's Stance

• 🌍 The initiative is framed not as a Jewish issue, but as a New York issue, essential for maintaining the city's identity of harmony and mutual respect.
• ✊ The administration pledges not to remain silent while Jewish residents are targeted, ensuring they can practice their faith without fear.
• 🤝 This builds upon previous efforts, including the Jewish Advisory Council and the Break Bread Building Bonds initiative, to foster understanding and safety for all communities.

Distinguishing from Previous Efforts and Addressing Concerns

• 🔍 While a previous office for the prevention of hate crimes exists, this new office is specifically designed to zero in on antisemitism due to its disproportionate impact.
• 🗣️ Mayor Adams addressed concerns about political motivations, highlighting his long-standing commitment to fighting hate, referencing the tragic death of Arie on the Brooklyn Bridge.
• ⚖️ The office will go beyond just crimes, examining information spread in schools and on college campuses, and scrutinizing organizations receiving taxpayer dollars.

Combating Hate and Upholding Free Speech

• 💡 The office aims to be proactive, monitoring information disseminated by agencies and partnering with various organizations to eradicate antisemitism.
• 💬 While upholding free speech, the administration will ensure it does not cross the line into hate speech, emphasizing that criticism of Israel does not equate to antisemitism.
• 🤝 The mayor stressed that eradicating hate is a collective effort requiring partnerships beyond government action.