New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reacts as he speaks during a press conference at NYPD headquarters in New York City, U.S., January 6, 2026. REUTERS/Angelina Katsanis
(New York, New York) – Anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City surged 182% in January 2026, according to NYPD data, with 31 incidents recorded, up from 11 during the same month last year. The cases accounted for more than half of the city’s 58 total hate crimes, marking the sharpest rise among all protected groups.
The spike occurred during the first full month in office of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose administration has drawn scrutiny after revoking prior city definitions related to antisemitism and facing criticism over internal city materials referencing the Gaza conflict.
News of the increase triggered widespread reaction on X, where users blamed City Hall for failing to curb antisemitism. Some posts called for Mamdani’s removal from office, while others employed inflammatory and anti-Muslim rhetoric to attack the mayor and his administration. Civil rights advocates warned that such responses risk escalating religious and ethnic tensions rather than addressing the rise in antisemitic violence.
In response to concerns from Jewish leaders, Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, a progressive Jewish community organizer, to lead the city’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. The appointment received mixed reactions, with some community members welcoming the move and others questioning whether it would lead to concrete policy changes.
City officials emphasized that overall major crime declined during January, even as hate crimes rose sharply. Critics argue that the antisemitism surge underscores a need for clearer leadership, stronger enforcement, and a unified message condemning all forms of religious hatred.
