Mamdani’s New York strategy to combat anti-Semitism includes investments in security, education

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — The Mamdani administration on Tuesday unveiled what it describes as New York City’s first “municipal anti-Semitism strategy” — a broad plan aimed at preventing anti-Semitic incidents, protecting Jewish New Yorkers and strengthening Jewish cultural life in all five boroughs.

City officials call the strategy a first-of-its-kind road map for how New York City will combat anti-Semitism in the future. The administration said the plan includes investments in prevention, safety, education, support for survivors and programs designed to celebrate and preserve Jewish life in the city.

The announcement comes as New York Jews continue to face a disproportionate share of reported hate crimes in the city, according to the administration.

In a video released alongside the project, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said New York Jews “should feel cherished and celebrated in the most Jewish city in America.” He added that the city government has “a responsibility to support and protect our Jewish neighbors.”

The mayor said the benefits of this initiative would extend beyond the Jewish community.

“While these efforts are intended to protect our Jewish neighbors, they will benefit all New Yorkers,” he said.

According to the administration, the strategy centers around a whole-of-government approach and outlines a series of goals focused on preventing hate violence, combating anti-Semitism in all its forms, expanding education about Jewish history and culture, supporting victims, protecting Jewish institutions and increasing engagement with Jewish communities throughout the city.

The plan includes $6.4 million for hate crime prevention and support for survivors, $4.5 million for Jewish cultural institutions, like the Holocaust Memorial, $1 million for security at synagogues and Hebrew schools, and expanded education about Jewish history and cultural contributions.

Mamdani’s initiative will also provide school visits for every eighth-grader in the city’s public schools to the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

The mayor has struggled to balance supporting and embracing New York’s Jews while also being sharply critical of the Israeli government and its response to the October 7 massacre.

What the plan does not include is a specific definition of anti-Semitism. The ADL’s Scott Richman says it’s a problem.

“I think the lack of a definition of anti-Semitism significantly undermines the report,” Richman said. “It’s very difficult to fight something whose nature you can’t define. But more than that, I think it doesn’t include anti-Semitism linked to Israel. It’s not an exhaustive report.”

Council member Eric Dinowitz agrees.

“If you want to fight anti-Semitism, you have to talk about how anti-Zionism expresses itself as anti-Semitism,” Dinowitz said. “If we don’t address anti-Zionism, we don’t fully address how we experience anti-Semitism here in New York.”

But many Jewish organizations applaud the plan and say the strategy is an important step forward.

City officials said the plan aims to serve as a long-term framework for responding to anti-Semitism while promoting safety, awareness and understanding throughout New York City.

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