In a concerning trend, hate crimes against Jews and Muslims are increasing at an alarming rate in New York City this year. According to data requested by The Post from the NYPD, antisemitic incidents have soared by 74% (from 138 to 240) as of August 25th, while attacks against Muslims have ballooned by 357% (from 7 to 32.
Overall, hate crimes across the city have surged by 29%, from 332 incidents in 2020 to 427 this year. Manhattan tops the list with 174 hate crime incidents, followed closely by Brooklyn (157), Queens (64), the Bronx and Staten Island (both at 16. The only borough that has seen a reduction in hate crimes is Queens, which experienced a 36% drop to 64 from 87. However, three spray-painted swastikas were found in Woodhaven on August 14th.
The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force has made more arrests this year, with figures up by 23%, from 144 last year to 177 this year. Despite the increased efforts to combat hate crimes, one bigoted assailant who attacked a man in Central Park remains at large. Allan Ripp, a 70-year-old victim of an antisemitic attack, shared his experience with The Post. He was attacked by a Citi Bike rider who called him a “f—king Jew pig” and threatened to kill him on July 13th at the West 86th Street entrance to the reservoir in Central Park.
Ripp believes that political rhetoric and the left-wing protest movement, which has “demonized Israel under the guise of free speech,” has triggered the increase in hate crimes. His daughter, Emily, added that the situation is a projection from overseas conflicts that are now affecting New Yorkers’ neighbors and co-workers. Experts agree with this assessment, noting that New York City often feels the impact of global events.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) believes that the increasing number of hate crimes in the city is directly related to the conflict in the Middle East and the radical groups that have attached themselves to the tragedy. She criticized people who use the suffering of others to justify their own bad behavior.
The NYPD reiterated its commitment to combating hate crimes, stating that all such incidents are treated seriously by the department. Hate crimes are vigorously investigated by the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force. Despite these incidents, Allan Ripp remains optimistic about New York City, saying there is still too much basic humanity and plenty of good New Yorkers.
