NYC Mayor Mamdani unveils multimillion-dollar plan to combat antisemitism
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a new zero-tolerance strategy to combat antisemitism that focuses on education and protection.
The mayor released a video Tuesday about the multimillion-dollar initiative, which he called the city's first plan to combat antisemitism.
It comes just days after Yom Kippur and as crimes against Jewish New Yorkers make up more than half of the hate crimes recorded so far in 2026.
"This is not only unacceptable, it's something we all have an obligation to change, and City Hall will lead the way," Mamdani said in the video.
The plan focuses on crime prevention, education and seeks to celebrate Jewish life. Millions will be allocated to upgrade security at synagogues and nonprofit organizations. It will also fund public education campaigns.
City workers will receive training in understanding the Jewish experience. The Mamdani administration will also work with public schools to address complaints of discrimination and expand opportunities for students to visit the Holocaust Museum.
The plan will also invest $2 million to complete the Queens Holocaust Museum, and $2.5 million will be invested in the Center for New Jewish Culture in Central Brooklyn.
Antisemitic hate crimes have increased by 8%, accounting for 53.9% of all hate crimes. Meanwhile, the Jewish community makes up just 10% of city residents.
The action also comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed with the mayor about the safety of the Jewish community.
"Since you were elected mayor of this city, many Jews no longer feel safe in New York," Netanyahu previously said.
Several Jewish organizations, including the UJA-Federation of New York, released a joint statement about Mamdani's plan.
"While the Mayor's plan has a number of positive elements, including some increased security funding for Jewish institutions and expanding proven programs, it fails to address a central issue that the Mayor himself has perpetuated: rhetoric that demonizes and delegitimizes Israel inevitably leads to the targeting of Jewish New Yorkers," part of it reads.
In the announcement, Mamdani also reminded New Yorkers of the contributions made by members of the Jewish community.
"Leonard Bernstein filled cavernous theaters with awe. Clara Lemlich won rights that protest workers to this day. Kleinfeld Bridal dressed us for our most special days. And Katz's has fed us for more than a century," he said.
The plan follows a five-point legislative package proposed and passed by Council Speaker Julie Menin. It included a dedicated antisemitism hotline with $1.25 million allocated to the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The money is for expanded Holocaust education, private school security camera reimbursements and community security training.
Former Mayor Eric Adams established the first Office to Combat Antisemitism in May 2025.
