New York City Council Speaker Unveils 5-Point Plan to Combat Rising Antisemitism

Proposal includes security measures, funding for Jewish institutions, and data tracking of hate crimes.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In response to a surge in antisemitic incidents in New York City, City Council Speaker Julie Menin has unveiled a 5-point action plan to address the growing problem. The plan includes establishing buffer zones around schools and houses of worship, providing security camera funding for private Jewish schools, offering security training for Jewish organizations, creating a hotline to report antisemitic incidents, and allocating funds for Holocaust education.

Why it matters

Antisemitic incidents accounted for 57% of all reported hate crimes in New York City in 2025, despite Jews making up only 10% of the population. This sharp rise in Jew-hatred has left many Jewish New Yorkers feeling unsafe and considering leaving the city. Menin's plan aims to protect Jewish institutions, empower the community to defend itself, and gather data to better understand and respond to the problem.

The details

Menin's 5-point plan includes: 1) $1.25 million for Holocaust education at the Museum of Jewish Heritage; 2) Establishing buffer zones around the entrances and exits of schools and houses of worship to prevent harassment; 3) Helping private Jewish schools pay for security cameras; 4) Funding security training programs for Jewish organizations; and 5) Creating a dedicated hotline to report antisemitic incidents and mandating the tracking of patterns in antisemitic violence.

  • In 2025, antisemitic incidents accounted for 57% of all reported hate crimes in New York City.
  • In January 2026, antisemitic attacks soared 182% compared to the previous year.

The players

Julie Menin

The Speaker of the New York City Council, who has unveiled a 5-point plan to combat the rise in antisemitism in the city.

Zohran Mamdani

The current Mayor of New York City, whose "winking and nodding at Jew-haters" has caused concern among the Jewish community.

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What they’re saying

“No New Yorker should have to run a gauntlet of harassment and obstruction to get into synagogue, even if some of their neighbors don't like it.”

— Julie Menin, New York City Council Speaker

“Jews are not victims to be pitied. They are Americans who have every right to defend themselves.”

— Tal Fortgang, Legal Policy Fellow, Manhattan Institute (New York Post)

What’s next

The New York City Council will need to approve and fund Menin's 5-point plan in order for it to be implemented. Additionally, the Mayor's office will need to work closely with the Jewish community to ensure the plan is effective in addressing the rise in antisemitic incidents.

The takeaway

Menin's plan represents a comprehensive and proactive approach to combating the alarming increase in antisemitism in New York City. By focusing on security, empowerment, and data-driven policymaking, the plan aims to protect Jewish New Yorkers and send a strong message that hate will not be tolerated.