New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced heightened security measures Wednesday ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days, while also preparing for ceremonies marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Mamdani urged New Yorkers to avoid lower Manhattan on Friday as streets surrounding Ground Zero are set to close for the 9/11 commemoration, which will be attended by dignitaries including Vice President JD Vance.
The mayor also addressed Jewish New Yorkers amid an increase in antisemitic incidents, promising additional police protection at Jewish institutions across the city.
"I want to speak directly to our Jewish New Yorkers now," Mamdani said, as quoted by Fox News. "Your safety during these sacred days is of the utmost importance to our administration, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that you can observe the holiday securely. There will be an increased NYPD presence outside of synagogues across the five boroughs, as well as other Jewish religious and cultural locations."
Mamdani said authorities have identified no specific or credible threats to the public, but stressed that the city would maintain heightened vigilance during the upcoming events.
His comments come amid continued criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations over his record and statements concerning Israel. During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani declined to reject the slogan “globalize the intifada" and faced criticism for comments he made about Israel on October 8, 2023, one day after the Hamas massacre in southern Israel.
He has also accused Israel of war crimes during its campaign against Hamas in Gaza. After taking office, Mamdani reversed executive orders related to Israel that had been issued by former Mayor Eric Adams and later declined to participate in New York City's annual Israel Day Parade, becoming the first mayor to boycott the event.
His policies have contributed to concerns among Jewish New Yorkers at a time when antisemitic incidents have increased.
Last month, those concerns were brought directly to Mamdani during a private meeting with 10 rabbis representing different branches of American Judaism. The roughly hour-long meeting included challenges over his statements on Israel, his pledge to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his calls for demonstrations when Netanyahu visits New York.
The rabbis argued that such positions were contributing to a growing feeling of insecurity among Jewish residents and making cooperation between Jewish organizations and the mayor's administration more difficult. Representatives of Reform and Conservative Judaism also reportedly told Mamdani that his rhetoric was contributing to antisemitism and could encourage further hostility toward Jews.
Several participants said they felt Mamdani had not adequately acknowledged a possible connection between his rhetoric and rising antisemitism, prompting the rabbis to address the issue with him directly.
Tisch said Wednesday that there are likewise no specific threats against the High Holy Day celebrations, but warned that hate crimes are increasing, with Jewish New Yorkers disproportionately affected.
"Even as shootings and murders have fallen to historic lows, hate crimes are moving in the wrong direction through the first eight months of this year. Confirmed hate crimes citywide are up 16%, and antisemitic hate crimes are up 9%. And once again, more than half of all confirmed hate crimes in New York City have targeted Jewish New Yorkers, even though Jews make up only about 10% of this city's population. Those numbers are deeply disturbing," Tisch said.
Tisch also disclosed that NYPD intelligence personnel have intervened in several alleged plots targeting Jews in New York since October 7, 2023.
"Since October 7th, our intelligence community has also tracked threats and disrupted plots directed at Jewish institutions here in New York, including alleged plans for attacks against a Manhattan synagogue and a Jewish center in Brooklyn," Tisch said.
She assured Jewish New Yorkers that the NYPD would continue to protect them throughout the year.
"I want all Jewish New Yorkers to know this. You have a partner in the NYPD now and throughout the year. As of today, there are no specific, credible threats directed at High Holy Day celebrations in New York City. But we remain vigilant," she said.