New York City's Jewish Community Faces Rising Threats

New York City, once a beacon of safety and openness for its Jewish residents, is now seeing a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents. This shift is not just about numbers; it's about the chilling effect on everyday life. Children returning from a menorah lighting were threatened and choked on a subway, while a man was stabbed in Crown Heights, reportedly after antisemitic remarks. These attacks happened on the same day, targeting people simply because they were Jewish. This isn't just bad luck or random crime. It's a pattern. The Anti-Defamation League reports record-high antisemitic incidents in New York State, with the city leading the way. Yet, the city's response has been lukewarm. Statements are made, but the motive—antisemitism—is often downplayed or ignored.Silence isn't neutral. It gives permission for hatred to grow. Leadership matters, and right now, it's failing. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani talks about justice and safety, but words mean little without action. When antisemitism is treated as politically inconvenient, it sends a message: Jewish safety isn't a priority. New York has one of the largest Jewish populations in the world. For decades, it was a place where Jews could live openly and proudly. That's changing. The social contract is fraying, and history shows that ignoring warning signs leads to normalization of violence. This isn't about Israel or politics. It's about whether Jewish life is valued enough to be protected. The golden age for Jews in New York isn't ending with a bang, but with a whimper—through neglect and inaction. If the city doesn't act now, it risks normalizing antisemitism, and history won't forgive that.