A spate of violent attacks on visibly Jewish people in New York City has prompted the governor of New York to issue a statement condemning the attacks.
“I unequivocally condemn these brutal attacks on visibly Jewish New Yorkers and we will not tolerate antisemitic violent gang harassment and intimidation,” Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote on Twitter.
“Those of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities must be able to walk the streets safely and free from harassment and violence,” he added.
Dueling protests
Several videos of Jewish people being attacked emerged on social media after pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups held dueling protests in the city.
At least one Jewish man was taken to the hospital following what police called a “gang assault.” His injuries were not believed to be serious.
Twenty-six were reportedly arrested in the violence, according to ABC News. The violence came as Israel and Hamas militants announced a cease-fire in their 11-day conflict.
“Justice needs to be done and I am directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their assistance in the investigation of these attacks,” Cuomo wrote.
Attacks caught on video
Antisemitic attacks have been rising around the country in recent days.
In Los Angeles, police are investigating an antisemitic attack on restaurant diners that was captured on video.
Several synagogues have been vandalized, including in Tucson, Arizona, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Chicago.
Antisemitism has also increased online with the Anti-Defamation League reporting 17,000 tweets mentioning “Hitler was right,” published between May 7 and 14.
“As the violence between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, we are witnessing a dangerous and drastic surge in anti-Jewish hate right here at home,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “We are tracking acts of harassment, vandalism and violence as well as a torrent of online abuse. It’s happening around the world — from London to Los Angeles, from France to Florida, in big cities like New York and in small towns, and across every social media platform.”
