New York City has established its first executive-level bureau focused on stamping out the scourge of antisemitism in the Big Apple.
Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday the formation of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, a “first-of-its-kind” department tasked with assembling an inter-agency taskforce dedicated to fighting antisemitic acts, including by monitoring court cases and outcomes, and working with the NYC Law Department on legislation and other agencies to “ensure New Yorkers feel protected” against antisemitism and address antisemitic incidents.
Hateful acts against Jewish New Yorkers surged in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas upon Israel, which led to the ongoing deadly conflict in Gaza. According to the NYPD, 54% of all hate crimes in the city were against Jewish New Yorkers in 2024.
During the first quarter of 2025, that number rose to 62%, prompting the mayor to create the new office.
“As we continue to see the rising tide of antisemitism here at home, and across the country, this moment calls for decisive action,” said Adams, who is running on the #EndAntisemitism ballot as part of his independent re-election effort in 2025. “The Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism will be the first of its kind in a major city across the nation, and will tackle antisemitism in all of its forms, working across city agencies to ensure Jewish New Yorkers are protected and can thrive here in the five boroughs.”
Moshe Davis will be first executive director
Adams appointed a senior liaison in his Community Affairs Unit, Moshe Davis, as the first executive director of the office. Hizzoner described Davis as a tireless advocate on behalf of Jewish New Yorkers, and he is exactly the right person to lead and build this office.”
Davis vowed to take a “sledgehammer” approach to antisemitism, working with a commission of leaders from across the city to oversee and advise on the office’s work.
“Combating antisemitism requires a sledgehammer approach: coordinated, unapologetic, and immediate,” Davis said. “Mayor Adams has been a modern-day Maccabee, standing up for the Jewish community, and, with the establishment of this office, he is strengthening his resolve to ensure Jewish New Yorkers thrive in our city.”
Davis will report to First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro.
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), New York leads the nation in reported antisemitic incidents. A recent ADL report showed that many incidents in 2024 took place at colleges and universities, locations that have been hubs for protests against the war in Gaza.
District attorneys from across the city applauded the mayor’s new office, with Staten Island DA Michael McMahon calling it a “vital step” forward.
“When individuals are victimized for their identity or beliefs, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who commit these acts are held accountable and brought to justice,” he said. “This new office is a vital step forward in that continuing mission, and my Staten Island Hate Crimes Task Force stands in full support of its efforts to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more just for everyone.”
