Number of anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City ‘striking,’ NYPD tells City Council

During a September 16 New York City Council public safety hearing, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber reported that anti-Jewish hate crimes consistently account for 50% to 60% of all confirmed hate crimes in the city. Gerber described these numbers as “striking” and noted a significant increase since October 7, though he stated the trend is “not new.” Jewish New Yorkers, who comprise about 10% of the population, are disproportionately targeted. Council member Inna Vernikov emphasized, “When one community, that makes up 10% of the population, is the target of over 50% of the city’s total hate crimes, that needs to be brought up in any public safety conversation.” City Council Speaker Julie Menin affirmed that “combating antisemitism in all forms is a top priority.”