New York City Mayor Eric Adams is addressing the rise in antisemitic incidents with the establishment of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism. Announced today, this office is the first of its kind in a major U.S. city, focused solely on combating antisemitism. According to a statement by the Mayor's office, this comes in direct response to the surge of antisemitic hate crimes in the city, with a report by the NYPD indicating that 62 percent of all hate crimes in the first quarter of 2025 targeted Jewish New Yorkers.
The Office's immediate mandate includes the creation of an inter-agency taskforce, which will monitor legal outcomes, advise on legislation, and work across city agencies to ensure the protection of Jewish citizens. Moshe Davis, a dedicated Jewish Liaison and a figure with vast experience in community engagement, takes the helm as the executive director. As per the same statement, Davis plans to convene a commission of Jewish leaders from across the city to advise the office's work.
Supported by city officials and Jewish community leaders, the initiative aims to address the issues contributing to antisemitic incidents. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, and various district attorneys from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, expressed their endorsement and readiness to collaborate with the new office. "Combating antisemitism requires a sledgehammer approach: coordinated, unapologetic, and immediate,” Moshe Davis told the Mayor's office.
As reported by the Anti-Defamation League, there was a record number of antisemitic incidents in New York state in 2024, with a significant concentration in New York City. This establishment marks a continuation of efforts by Mayor Adams' administration, following initiatives such as the formation of the Jewish Advisory Council and "Breaking Bread, Building Bonds." Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, expressed appreciation for Mayor Adams, noting that the establishment of the office sends a strong message: antisemitism will not be tolerated in New York City, according to the press release.
With the launch of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, New York is taking a significant step in addressing the rise in hate crimes. Community organizations such as JCRC-NY, the American Jewish Committee New York, Zioness, and StandWithUs have expressed their support for the new office and their willingness to collaborate. As attention turns to Moshe Davis and the work ahead, the Jewish community and its allies are anticipating progress in addressing antisemitism in a city known for its diversity and tolerance.
