New York City Council
Committee to Combat Hate
Legislation to Address Antisemitism

Thank you, Chair Salaam and members of the committee, for the opportunity to testify on antisemitism. The Partnership for New York City mobilizes private sector resources and expertise to advance New York City’s standing as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation. We are a nonprofit organization whose members are preeminent business leaders and companies that support nearly one million jobs in New York City and deliver approximately $236 billion in economic output. 

The Partnership appreciates the Council’s commitment to addressing the alarming rise of antisemitism in the city. Antisemitism is not a new threat, but its recent resurgence throughout society demands urgent action. Jewish New Yorkers should never feel unsafe in their homes, their houses of worship, or their communities. When any group is targeted for who they are or what they believe, it diminishes all of us. This is not simply a Jewish issue but a human rights issue, and it strikes at the very foundation of the city. 

New York City is one of the most diverse places on earth, home to people of every background, faith, ethnicity, and culture. This diversity is one of the city’s greatest strengths. But diversity only thrives when every community feels safe, respected, and protected. Antisemitism — like Islamophobia, racism, and all other forms of hate — is a poison that corrodes the social fabric that holds us together. When Jewish New Yorkers are harassed on the subway, when synagogues are vandalized, when students are intimidated on campuses, we are reminded that the work of building a truly inclusive city is never finished. We must be as vigilant and vocal in defending the Jewish community as we are in defending every other community that calls this city home. 

The Partnership supports the legislation being considered today. New measures to increase security at religious and educational institutions, requiring additional education of students, and increasing avenues for reporting of incidents and publication of data on hate crimes are all positive steps towards eradicating antisemitism in the city. I urge the Council to pass this legislation swiftly and to continue working with all communities to make New York a city where every resident, regardless of their faith or background, can live with dignity and without fear. 

Thank you.