United Jewish Teachers urges increased NYPD security for Tisha B'Av attendees after Mamdani video

United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern urged NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to increase police security at Jewish institutions for Tisha B'Av, citing heightened community concerns following a video by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Spern stated that Mamdani's video, in which he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" and encouraged viewers to "examine every tool we have to defend the humanity and dignity of all people," contributes "to a dangerous atmosphere for New York's Jewish community." With thousands of Jews gathering for Tisha B'Av, Spern emphasized the urgent need for visible security, noting recent attacks on synagogues and rising antisemitic incidents. He called for "heightened patrols and visible security at all Jewish facilities immediately" to ensure the community can practice its faith safely.