In response to a significant increase in antisemitic incidents—accounting for 62% of all hate crimes in early 2025—Mayor Eric Adams has established the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, marking the first such dedicated office in a major U.S. city. Led by Moshe Davis, the office aims to monitor legal cases, advise on policy, and ensure city agencies and funded entities do not tolerate antisemitism. While community leaders have welcomed the initiative as a necessary step, some critics question the timing and motivations behind its launch. Nonetheless, the office represents a proactive effort to address the alarming rise in antisemitic hate crimes in New York City.
Mayor Adams Creates new Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams today established the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, a mayoral office dedicated to fighting antisemitism in all forms and keeping New Yorkers safe. Amidst an unprecedented rise in antisemitism in New York City and across the entire country, Mayor Adams’ new office will be the first office of its kind established in a major city across the nation. Last year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) reported that 54 percent of all hate crimes in New York City were against Jewish New Yorkers; during the first quarter of 2025, that number rose to 62 percent, demonstrating the urgent need for this office.
This new mayoral office will immediately establish an inter-agency taskforce dedicated to fighting antisemitism in all its forms, including by monitoring court cases and outcomes at all levels of the justice system, liaising with the New York City Law Department on appropriate cases to bring or join, advising on executive orders to issue and legislation to propose to address antisemitism, and working across agencies to ensure New Yorkers feel protected against antisemitism and address incidents of antisemitism. The office will work to ensure city-funded entities and city agencies do not permit different forms of antisemitism. Finally, to lead the office, Mayor Adams appointed Moshe Davis as the first executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. As its first action, Executive Director Davis will form a commission of Jewish leaders from across New York City to oversee and advise on the office’s work.
“Since day one, our administration made a commitment to all New Yorkers to keep them safe and protect against hate in all forms. As we continue to see the rising tide of antisemitism here at home, and across the country, this moment calls for decisive action,” said Mayor Adams. “The Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism will be the first of its kind in a major city across the nation, and will tackle antisemitism in all of its forms, working across city agencies to ensure Jewish New Yorkers are protected and can thrive here in the five boroughs. Antisemitism is an attack not only on Jewish New Yorkers, but on the very idea of New York City as a place where people from all backgrounds can live together. Moshe Davis is a tireless advocate on behalf of Jewish New Yorkers, and he is exactly the right person to lead and build this office. I’m grateful to Moshe for stepping up to lead on this important issue.”
“The rise in antisemitism in our city, in our country, and around the world is both alarming and intolerable,” said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. “Today, Mayor Adams is taking a stand — that in the city with the largest Jewish population in the world — antisemitism is unacceptable and we have to do more to address it. So, New York City will lead the way as the first major city in America to establish an office dedicated solely to combatting antisemitism.”
“I am proud of the creation of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, a necessary step to address the concerning rise in antisemitism across our city,” said Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “Moshe Davis, our dedicated Jewish Liaison at CAU, is the perfect choice to lead this effort. His passionate advocacy, deep understanding of community needs, and proven ability to coordinate across agencies make him an exceptional leader for this important initiative. I look forward to working with Moshe as we strengthen our commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting unity in our city.”
“The creation of this new office is a step forward in the fight against antisemitism in the city,” said Bronx County District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “We have a strong Jewish community in the Bronx and will continue to denounce hatred in all forms while embracing the diversity of our borough.”
“This historic step sends a clear message that hate has no place in our city, and we will not tolerate any acts of violence or discrimination against our Jewish communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As we have seen an unprecedented rise in attacks on our Jewish residents, I look forward to working with this new mayoral office to develop strategies to ensure all Bronxites feel safe in our borough and city.”
“Combating antisemitism requires a sledgehammer approach: coordinated, unapologetic, and immediate.” said Executive Director Moshe Davis. “Mayor Adams has been a modern-day Maccabee, standing up for the Jewish community, and, with the establishment of this office, he is strengthening his resolve to ensure Jewish New Yorkers thrive in our city. I look forward to working closely with Mayor Eric Adams and First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro to continue our forceful response against anti-Jewish hate and discrimination.”
As the Anti-Defamation League recently reported a record number of antisemitic incidents in 2024 across the country, including the highest number in New York state, Mayor Adams is taking action to protect Jewish New Yorkers. The creation of this office builds on the Adams administration’s work to combat antisemitism, including by directing the NYPD to take action against hate crimes and violence that threaten New Yorkers; establishing the city’s first “Breaking Bread, Building Bonds” initiative to broaden connections amongst communities of every faith, class, and creed; and establishing the city’s first Jewish Advisory Council to ensure Jewish communities across New York City are connected with all of the city’s resources and services available.
About Moshe Davis
Moshe Davis joined the Adams administration in November 2022 as Jewish liaison in the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. In this capacity, he connected the city’s nearly 1 million Jewish residents to municipal government while communicating administration priorities and managing Mayor Adams’ first-of-its-kind Jewish Advisory Council.
Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, Davis served as a rabbinic leader at the Manhattan Jewish Experience, where he created faith-based programs for young professionals on the Upper West Side. Davis also founded “New York Jews in Politics,” a growing network of Jewish professionals working across government, advocacy, and nonprofit sectors.
Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Ana G. Mendez University, as well as an ordination from The Rabbinical Council of Jerusalem.
Executive Director Davis will report directly to First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro.
“I applaud the Mayor’s Office for the creation of the Office to Combat Antisemitism. In times where tensions are heightened and the majority of hate crimes in NYC target Jewish New Yorkers, it is more important than ever to put our resources towards addressing the rise of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate,” said New York State Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. “In addition to efforts being made by the city, the state has just included my masked harassment legislation into the 2025-26 budget. Our communities will now be safer as individuals feel less emboldened to commit hate crimes while hiding their identity behind face coverings. Our Jewish friends, neighbors, and all New Yorkers deserve to feel safe and secure, fortunately New York is taking steps in the right direction to work towards this goal.”
“We are united in our effort to stamp out antisemitism. The new Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism will stem the rising tide of hate against Jewish New Yorkers, who are now tragically the target of the majority of hate crimes in our city,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “This office, under the leadership of Executive Director Moshe Davis, will be laser-focused on stopping the scourge of antisemitism through an all-hands-on deck approach. I am proud of my work across the city to combat antisemitism and my legislative wins to foster inclusion for every culture. I look forward to partnering with this new and important office to stand up to hate and bring love and respect for our Jewish American family, living up to the true meaning of our city.”
“Brooklyn is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, and my office will always stand firmly against antisemitism and hate in all its forms,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the new Office to Combat Antisemitism to ensure accountability for bias-motivated offenses and to bring justice and safety to all communities we serve.”
“We want Manhattan’s Jewish community to know that we are remaining extremely vigilant against threats of violence during this time of rising antisemitism,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr. “The Manhattan D.A.’s Counter Terrorism and Hate Crimes Units work closely with our law enforcement partners to conduct proactive investigations to keep everyone safe, and we thank Mayor Adams for creating this dedicated new office.”
“We saw an alarming uptick in Anti-Jewish hate crimes since the October 7 attack on Israel. The mayor’s newly created Office to Combat Antisemitism will expand upon our ongoing work to investigate and prosecute cases of anti-Jewish hate in this borough and beyond,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “My office, along with our partners in law enforcement and city agencies, will continue to safeguard a sense of belonging for our Jewish neighbors.”
“We applaud the mayor for his continued leadership and commitment to combating hate crimes in all forms, and we commend the creation of this new office specifically dedicated to addressing antisemitism,” said Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “Unfortunately, antisemitism is not just a problem of the past – it remains a very real and pressing threat today. This is unacceptable. No one should ever be targeted or harmed because of how they look, what they wear, or what they believe. When individuals are victimized for their identify or beliefs, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who commit these acts are held accountable and brought to justice. This new office is a vital step forward in that continuing mission, and my Staten Island Hate Crimes Task Force stands in full support of its efforts to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more just for everyone.”
“Jewish New Yorkers are feeling a level of fear and isolation we haven’t seen in generations. The rise in antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue — it is a New York issue, and it demands a united, non-partisan response that recognizes the urgency of the moment,” said New York City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, chair, Jewish Caucus. “This crisis cannot be met with strong words alone — it requires meaningful, sustained action. This new office must drive real change across our city, so every Jewish New Yorker feels safe, protected, and truly at home.”
“As the only Jewish councilmember representing Queens, I am deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for establishing the Office to Combat Antisemitism,” said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman. “In a time when antisemitism is on the rise both here in New York City and across the nation, this office will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish New Yorkers. Our city has always stood as a beacon of diversity and inclusion, and this new office reaffirms our commitment to combating hate in all its forms. I look forward to working alongside Mayor Adams and community leaders to create a safer, more unified New York City.”
“ADL’s recently-released Audit of Antisemitic Incidents tracked a record 1,437 incidents in New York state in 2024, with 68 percent of those taking place in New York City. That is more incidents than any state or any metropolitan area experienced across the country, which is simply alarming. We are grateful for this decisive action in response,” said Scott Richman, regional director for New York and New Jersey, Anti-Defamation League. “ADL New York/New Jersey looks forward to partnering with this new office and with our friend Moshe Davis in their work to protect the Jewish community.”
“Mayor Adams’ creation of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism sends the clear and unequivocal message that antisemitism will not be tolerated in New York City,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York. “We are grateful for the mayor’s leadership and look forward to working with Moshe Davis to support this initiative to ensure every Jewish New Yorker feels safe and protected.”
“JCRC-NY has long held that the city needs comprehensive solutions to combat rising antisemitism, particularly in a post October 7th world, that will make the city safer and more interconnected for our Jewish communities,” said Mark Treyger, CEO, JCRC-NY. “The establishment of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism is a welcome step forward in providing a central coordinating body at the highest level of city government for the agencies, community-based organizations, and city partners committed to this work. Thank you, Mayor Adams, for continuing to stand strong against antisemitism and for your commitment to building a more safe and inclusive New York for all New Yorkers.”
“The world’s largest Jewish population outside Israel has felt vulnerable since antisemitic incidents spiked after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel 19 months ago,” said Josh Kramer, director, American Jewish Committee New York. “We need to focus not only on protecting the city’s one million Jews, but to address the root causes of anti-Jewish hate to stop it from spreading. Antisemitism is a problem all New Yorkers must work to combat. We are grateful our city and our leaders are taking this important step to create an office dedicated to combating antisemitism.”
“We applaud this important move by Mayor Adams,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, director of New York government relations, Agudath Israel of America. “With the unprecedented rise in antisemitism we must devise new strategies to fight this scourge, and the opening of this office is an important step.”
“Zioness has long been sounding the alarm on the unprecedented rise in antisemitism, especially anti-Zionism, across New York City,” said Amanda Berman, CEO, Zioness. “This dangerous and destabilizing force endangers Jews, drives wedges between communities, and erodes trust in our political, academic and cultural institutions, and must be fought consistently and with moral clarity. We applaud the creation of this task force, which demonstrates a serious commitment to combating the oldest and most persistent hatred in the world’s most consequential city. We look forward to working with Mayor Adams and the task force as this important initiative takes shape, and hope to see it replicated in cities nationwide.”
“StandWithUs commends Mayor Adams for establishing an office that will focus on combating antisemitism,” said Avi Posnick, executive director, StandWithUs Northeast & New England. “We’ve experienced the horrifying rise of antisemitism in New York City and clearly something more focused must be done. We hope this new office will help make a difference. As an organization that educates and empowers students and communities to fight antisemitism, we look forward to working with this new office to effect the changes needed.”
“With antisemitism on the rise in New York, I applaud Mayor Adams for establishing the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism and for committing to use all available legal tools to fight antisemitism in New York City,” said Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, founder, Jewish Future Alliance. “I congratulate Moshe Davis on his appointment as executive director. Moshe is a respected and experienced leader, known for his good judgment, thoughtful approach, and calm demeanor, and he is well-suited for the job.”
“I congratulate Mayor Adams for taking bold and necessary action by establishing a city task force to combat antisemitism,” said Sacha Roytman, CEO, Combat Antisemitism Movement. “As someone working globally to counter this growing hatred, I know how critical it is for cities to lead by example. New York, with its deep Jewish roots and vibrant diversity, is sending a clear message: antisemitism has no place in our communities. This initiative sets a model for cities around the world to follow.”
“The opening of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism marks a pivotal step in our mayor’s commitment to confronting antisemitism in all its forms,” said Sydney Altfield, executive director, Teach NYS. “It sends a clear message: hate has no home in New York City. As hate crimes against Jews continue to rise, so too does the ‘antisemitism tax’ — the growing burden our families bear simply to feel safe. I am pleased to see Moshe Davis appointed to lead the new office and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
“The #EndJewHatred movement has been sounding the alarm on the state of Jew-hatred in New York City for ages,” said Michelle Ahdoot, director of programming and strategy, #EndJewHatred. “Jewish civil rights have been repeatedly violated, and hearing that an office within the mayor’s team with a sole focus of combatting antisemitism is being started is welcome news. #EndJewHatred looks forward to working alongside the mayor and New York City stakeholders to ensure the civil rights of Jewish individuals will be upheld.”
“As antisemitism rises to alarming levels across our nation, the establishment of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism is both timely and essential,” said Jack Kliger, president and CEO, The Museum of Jewish Heritage. “I commend Mayor Adams for vision in creating this office, and am confident that under Moshe Davis’s stewardship, this initiative will bring our city together to protect Jewish New Yorkers and uphold the values of tolerance and respect. The Museum of Jewish Heritage stands ready to support this vital work, and I look forward to working together to ensure that New York City remains a beacon of diversity, resilience, and hope-not just for Jewish New Yorkers, but for people everywhere.”
“In the current environment where the Jewish Community feels the rise in antisemitism, we appreciate Mayor Eric Adams decision to form the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism headed by Rabbi Moshe Davis who is a familiar face to the city’s Jewish community,” said Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice president, Rabbinical Alliance of America. “It is only through these important and proactive steps will we be able to combat the scourge of antisemitism and restore a sense of safety and security for the Jewish community who call the city home.”
“Mayor Adams has demonstrated bold leadership by institutionalizing the fight against antisemitism in New York City,” said Vlad Khaykin, executive vice president for North America, Wiesenthal Center. “Bold and decisive actions such as these are urgently needed to stem the tide. This office sets a powerful precedent for other cities to follow, ensuring that combating antisemitism is not just a reactive measure but a sustained, proactive commitment at every level of the U.S. government.”
“Thank you, Mayor Adams, for reminding is that we cannot fight antisemitism alone,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president, New York Board of Rabbis. “We teach our children 1+1=2 but when fighting hate we have to show them that 1+1=1 when we stand as one human family.”
“We are deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for taking this decisive step to protect America’s largest Jewish population,” said Elan Carr, CEO of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. “With this new Office to Combat Antisemitism, New York now has a watchdog that can mobilize multiple agencies to address the rising scourge of Jew-hatred in all its forms. I and IAC’s New York region pledge our strongest support for Mayor Adams and Rabbi Davis in this critical initiative.”
May 13, 2025 New York City Hall , Manhattan
Sources: nyc.gov , TV503com
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