If New York City Isn't Safe For Jews Then No Place Is

Just over 72 hours ago, an Orthodox Jewish man was assaulted in broad daylight on East 41st Street near Third Avenue by a Hispanic male from Miami who shouted "fuck you Jew" and "Jew bastard". The assailant has been charged with assault and a hate crime.


The incident took place less than a five minute walk from where I am sitting. The incident took place in an area I walk regularly during the lunch hour. I could have very easily been witness to such an incident. While I am not an Orthodox Jew, I could have very easily been the target of such an attack.


This was one of four anti-Semitic attacks, actually make that five which have taken place in New York City since the beginning of Chanukah including an attack on two young children in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.


There has been a significant spike in anti-Semitic attacks in New York City in 2019, primarily in Brooklyn. There's a lot of talk of anti-Semitism having no place in New York City, but the attacks keep happening.


As much as I dislike President Trump, it would be foolish to cast blame upon him for anti-Semitic violence as many in the Jewish community have done. Unfortunately, it is easier for Jews with liberal and left-wing inclinations to blame Trump than it is to take to task the leadership of the African-American and Latino communities as many of those who have seen fit to assault Jews in New York City have come from these communities including the attack on the deli in Jersey City, New Jersey which claimed the lives of two Jews. Yes, the incident in question took place across the Hudson River, but many of the Jews who now reside in Jersey City migrated there from Brooklyn. It can be said that what happened in Jersey City took root right here in New York City.


Alas, but in holding other minority communities in account, many so-called progressive Jews don't want to risk being called racist even if it means more Jews get attacked, injured or even killed. There's nothing progressive about Jews not being able to go about their day without fear for our lives.


New York City is the home to more Jews than all of Israel. If Jews cannot live safely in New York City then no place is safe. It is incumbent upon New York City Jews to bring pressure to bear upon the city's elected leadership to put a stop to the violence. It is incumbent upon New York City Jews to bring pressure upon the African-American and Latino communities to condemn anti-Semitic violence within their communities and promote cross cultural acceptance. It is also incumbent upon New York City Jews not be intimidated because an attack on one Jew is an attack upon us all.