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Edited by: TJVNews.com
The resurgence of anti-Semitic crimes in New York City has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike, with recent statistics revealing a troubling spike in incidents targeting the Jewish community. According to a report on Thursday in the New York Jewish Week, the month of March witnessed a significant increase in anti-Jewish incidents, reversing a trend of month-by-month declines recorded by the NYPD, as was reported by Israel National News.
In March alone, there were 43 reported anti-Semitic incidents across the five boroughs of New York City, more than double the 17 incidents reported in February, according to the INN report. This surge in anti-Jewish crimes marks a concerning escalation, especially considering the gradual decrease observed in the months prior.
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents in New York City can be traced back to the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, which served as a catalyst for heightened tensions and a surge in hate crimes targeting the Jewish community. In October, there were 69 reported incidents of anti-Semitism, followed by 62 in November. However, INN also reported that the rate of such crimes appeared to taper off in the subsequent months, with 31 incidents reported in both December and January, and a further decline to 17 incidents in February. March’s tally, however, stands out as the highest recorded so far this year, signaling a troubling resurgence of anti-Semitic sentiment.
Recent incidents of anti-Semitism in New York City have included alarming attacks on Jewish establishments, with two separate assaults targeting a kosher restaurant within a span of just four days, as was noted in the INN report.
In a particularly egregious case from December, a man was indicted on multiple hate crimes charges after allegedly assaulting an Israeli tourist in Times Square. The INN report said that the assailant reportedly made anti-Semitic remarks, including a chilling statement advocating for violence against Jewish individuals, stating, “Hamas should kill more of you.”
Moreover, anti-Israel protesters have seized the city’s thoroughfares, causing chaos and disruption in their fervent demonstrations against Israel’s actions, the report on INN asserted. Recent incidents have highlighted the intensity of the protests, with actions ranging from road blockades to disruptions at major landmarks.
At John F. Kennedy International Airport, anti-Israel protesters brought traffic to a standstill as they blocked the Belt Parkway, a critical route for vehicles traveling to the airport, INN reported. The incident resulted in significant delays and added frustration for travelers navigating their way to the terminals.
Pro-Hamas protesters also made their presence felt by shutting down the entrance to the World Trade Center in New York City, a symbol of resilience and unity in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, as was stated in the INN report.
The intensity of the protests reached a crescendo outside Radio City Music Hall, where President Joe Biden was scheduled to attend a campaign fundraiser last week. Hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators descended upon the iconic venue, chanting slogans and brandishing signs condemning Biden’s stance on the conflict.
The clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Hamas factions on the streets of one of the world’s most prominent cities reflect the deeply entrenched divisions that persist in the ongoing conflict.
