Manhattan Precinct Council Head Resigns After Being Exposed for Tearing Down Israeli Hostage Posters

By: Fern Sidman

In a major development reflecting the growing tensions around antisemitism in New York City, Robert Josman, president of the volunteer 24th Precinct Community Council on the Upper West Side, has resigned after being exposed for removing posters depicting Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas, according to a detailed report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post.

Josman’s resignation last week came amid mounting public outrage following revelations, first uncovered by The New York Post, that he had repeatedly torn down hostage posters, many of which had been plastered near synagogues in one of the city’s most vibrant and historic Jewish neighborhoods.

As initially reported by The New York Post, Josman was caught removing posters intended to raise awareness for the hundreds of Israeli and foreign hostages abducted by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attacks. His actions sparked anger and dismay among local residents, especially given that the Upper West Side is home to one of New York City’s largest Jewish communities and has seen an alarming spike in hate crimes in recent years.

When confronted by residents, Josman defended his actions by claiming that posting flyers on New York City property is illegal and even suggested that he had consulted with NYPD officers regarding his behavior, The New York Post reported. However, critics quickly pointed out that Josman selectively removed only the hostage posters, leaving other flyers and notices intact.

According to letters sent to city officials and reviewed by The New York Post, residents accused Josman of having “directly undermined his own role” by engaging in conduct that demonstrated “overt hatred” toward Jews.

Following the exposure of his actions and the ensuing backlash, Josman tendered his resignation shortly after the council’s April meeting, as reported by The New York Post. Advocacy and watchdog groups, including StopAntisemitism, quickly reacted to the news. On X (formerly Twitter), StopAntisemitism announced: “Update: antisemite Robert Josman has resigned as President of the NYPD 24th Precinct [Council].”

The announcement drew widespread attention and reignited conversations about the rise of antisemitism not only nationally but particularly in traditionally progressive enclaves like the Upper West Side.

Despite multiple requests from The New York Post, Josman declined to comment on the controversy or his decision to step down.

While Josman led a body designed to foster stronger ties between the police and the community—dealing with public safety and quality of life issues—the NYPD clarified to The New York Post that it does not directly oversee precinct community councils. These councils are technically independent, volunteer-run groups, though they operate closely alongside police precinct leadership.

This structure has raised additional concerns about the lack of formal accountability mechanisms, especially when individuals in leadership positions violate the principles of neutrality and public service that these councils are meant to uphold.

As The New York Post reported, the Upper West Side has not been immune to the disturbing national trend of rising antisemitic incidents, particularly in the wake of recent geopolitical conflicts. Between 2022 and 2024, the neighborhood was one of the areas most affected by hate crimes in New York City, with Jewish residents often bearing the brunt of attacks, harassment, and vandalism.

The controversy surrounding Josman’s behavior has therefore struck a particularly raw nerve. Community leaders and activists argue that the removal of posters showing kidnapped civilians—many of them children and elderly—dehumanizes the victims and mocks the suffering of their families.

Moreover, the fact that the head of a community body dedicated to public safety and neighborly solidarity was engaged in such behavior was seen as a grave betrayal of public trust.

As detailed in The New York Post report, Robert Josman’s resignation brings an end to his leadership role, but not to the larger conversation about antisemitism, public accountability, and the role of civic institutions in ensuring respect for all communities.

The scandal serves as a stark reminder that vigilance against hatred must not only be exercised at the fringes of society but also within its very institutions—particularly those tasked with promoting unity and safety.

The Upper West Side community, along with Jewish organizations and civic groups, now faces the important task of ensuring that future leaders are selected who reflect the values of inclusivity, dignity, and unwavering opposition to all forms of hate.