Antisemitic Incidents in NYC Soar 182% Despite Drop in Other Crimes

Hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City reach alarming levels even as overall crime declines.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Hateful antisemitic incidents skyrocketed 182% across New York City in January 2026 compared to the previous year, even as other crimes such as murders and shootings reached record lows, according to NYPD data. There were 31 hate crimes against Jewish people reported in the first month of 2026, which is 20 more than the same time last year.

Why it matters

The sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in New York City is deeply concerning, as it highlights the persistent and troubling rise of hate crimes targeting the Jewish community. This trend stands in stark contrast to the overall decline in other major crimes, underscoring the unique challenges in addressing this specific form of bias-motivated violence.

The details

The antisemitic incidents included the vandalism of a Brooklyn playground with swastikas, a car repeatedly ramming the door of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, and a rabbi being assaulted in Queens while the attacker shouted anti-Semitic slurs. Authorities have charged suspects in several of these incidents, but the underlying issue of hatred and intolerance remains a pressing concern.

  • In January 2026, there were 31 hate crimes against Jewish people reported, 20 more than the same time the previous year.
  • On January 20, 2026, swastikas were painted on playground equipment in Gravesend Park in Brooklyn.
  • On January 27, 2026, a 32-year-old rabbi was assaulted as he headed to his synagogue in Queens.
  • On January 28, 2026, a car repeatedly rammed the door of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn.

The players

Michael Nussbaum

A Queens board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

Joseph Potasnik

The Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis.

Dan Sohail

A New Jersey man who allegedly rammed his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn and was charged with attempted assault, criminal mischief, and aggravated harassment as a hate crime.

Eric Zafra-Grosso

A 32-year-old man charged with two counts of assault, including one as a hate crime, for pummeling a rabbi as he headed to his synagogue in Queens.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, it's never too cold to be antisemitic. The hate is going to be difficult to eliminate — it's what's in people's hearts and minds.”

— Michael Nussbaum, Queens board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York

“The high temperature of hate cannot be brought down by the cold weather. Hate mongers don't care about the weather. When hate is in your blood, the weather doesn't matter.”

— Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis

What’s next

The judge in the case against Dan Sohail will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The alarming spike in antisemitic incidents in New York City, even as overall crime rates decline, underscores the persistent and troubling nature of hate crimes targeting the Jewish community. This trend demands urgent action to address the root causes of intolerance and ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers.