Israel’s Consul General in New York has warned that the city’s Jewish community is facing an increasingly dangerous security environment, saying antisemitism has intensified to the point where Jews are now at genuine risk, reports Israel National News.
Speaking in an interview with Kan Moreshet radio, Ofir Akunis was asked whether Jews in New York were currently in danger. His response was unequivocal: „Yes.”
Akunis said that New York, long regarded as one of the safest places in the world for Jewish life outside Israel, has experienced a significant deterioration in recent years. He argued that hostility towards Jews has moved beyond political debate and online rhetoric into public spaces and acts of physical violence.
According to the consul, the trend began with anti-Israel demonstrations on American university campuses before spreading to wider public protests, increasingly hostile rhetoric, and extremist slogans directed at both Israel and Jewish communities. He said physical attacks against Jews have become more frequent and have risen sharply compared with previous years.
He also expressed concern that some demonstrations during the past year had deliberately taken place in neighbourhoods with large Jewish populations, increasing anxiety among local residents.
Akunis criticised several American political figures, including Zohran Mamdani, arguing that public statements critical of Israel have contributed to an atmosphere in which hostility towards Jews has become more widespread.
He maintained that many comparisons and accusations directed at Israel were based on misunderstanding and a lack of appreciation of the country’s security challenges.
While acknowledging that authorities have publicly recognised the rise in antisemitic incidents, Akunis said stronger action is needed to protect Jewish communities.
He argued that political condemnations alone are insufficient and called for more robust law enforcement, tougher prosecution of hate crimes, and firmer action against those responsible for antisemitic offences.
Asked whether the current climate should encourage American Jews to immigrate to Israel, Akunis distinguished between his personal beliefs and his diplomatic responsibilities.
He said that, personally, he regards Israel as the national home of the Jewish people. However, he stressed that, as Israel’s Consul General, it is not his role to encourage aliyah, the immigration of Jews to Israel.
The comments come amid continuing concern over rising antisemitic incidents in the United States, where Jewish organisations and law enforcement agencies have reported increases in harassment, threats, vandalism, and physical attacks following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Ohad Kav
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