Nearly Half Of Jewish Voters Feel Unsafe In New York, Poll Reveals

A new poll has unveiled alarming statistics about the safety perceptions of Jewish voters in New York. Conducted by the pro-Israel New York Solidarity Network, the survey found that 44% of Jewish voters in New York City and surrounding counties feel unsafe due to their religious identity. Among Orthodox Jews, this figure rises to a staggering 67%.

The survey also revealed that 35% of Jewish voters believe New York is no longer a safe haven for Jewish life. Nearly 40% shared similar concerns about the safety of Jews across the United States. With New York hosting the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, these findings have raised significant concerns among community leaders.

Sara Forman, executive director of the New York Solidarity Network, emphasized the severity of the situation. “That more than a third of registered New York Jewish voters believe New York is no longer a safe haven for Jews should be a five-alarm fire for state and local elected officials,” she stated.

The rise in antisemitic incidents in New York is linked to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This surge in hate crimes has impacted college campuses, where Jewish students face increased hostility. Incidents at Cooper Union and Columbia University have highlighted the growing tensions, with students reporting heightened fear due to anti-Israel protests and antisemitic acts.

A recent example includes the vandalism targeting the Brooklyn Museum’s director and several Jewish board members. Vandals threw red paint and scrawled antisemitic messages on their homes. In another incident, an individual from Staten Island was arrested after demanding “Zionists” raise their hands on a New York subway car.

The poll showed that 50% of respondents do not believe New York’s colleges will ensure the safety of Jewish students in the upcoming fall semester. Additionally, 86% of those surveyed view antisemitism as a serious problem, with 56% witnessing anti-Jewish hatred on social media. This figure jumps to 72% among respondents under 30.

NYPD data obtained by The Post in April indicates a 45% increase in antisemitic hate crimes in 2024. Many of these attacks have been captured on video, showcasing the brazen nature of the incidents. For example, a Jewish father of five was beaten in front of his Brooklyn home during Hanukkah, and another man was robbed of his $2,500 traditional Jewish headpiece just days later.

The rise in antisemitic violence has prompted calls for stricter measures to protect Jewish communities. Forman stressed the urgent need for action, stating, “If we do not feel safe here, with the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, how can we feel safe anywhere?”
The poll underscores the growing concerns among Jewish voters about their safety in New York and highlights the need for immediate measures to address and counteract antisemitic incidents.