CEO of the World Betar Movement, Yigal Brand, called on Monday for Jews in New York and the general US to be protected.
In his remarks, Brand joined similar calls made by members of the Betar movement, warning Jews not to visit New York City amid the rise in antisemitism in the city.
“The situation is dire, and we call on the authorities in New York to free the hands of the police and allow it to act with decisiveness against the criminals and put them on trial,” Brand said.
He added that the World Betar Movement would continue to operate independently to protect New York Jews and the broader American Jewish community.
Antisemitic incidents recorded in New York
In August, the New York City Police Department reported 19 antisemitic incidents, compared to the 12 recorded in August of last year.
New York recorded 45 antisemitic events in June and 30 in July.
“The persistence and increase in anti-Jewish incidents have prompted targeted interventions by federal, State, and local governments, such as increased security measures at religious institutions, enhanced hate crime legislation, and working closely with community leaders to foster unity and provide support to victims,” stated a report published by the New York State Comptroller in August.
The state reported 1,089 hate crimes in total in 2023. Almost 44% of the hate crimes and 88% of religious-based hate crimes targeted Jews, according to the August report.
“As a diverse hub of cultures, beliefs, and identities, New York’s strength has always been in the creation of community bonds that transcend these characteristics and unite us as New Yorkers,” the report added.
“The fight against hate demands that we all participate in fostering communication with, understanding of, and acceptance of our neighbors,” the report stated.