Jewish Community Faces Rising Concerns Over Antisemitism

Jewish residents report feeling increasingly targeted by acts of antisemitic or anti-Israel violence. Some believe Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s attempts to separate the city from Israel contribute to their unease.

Impact on Local Business Owners

NEW YORK—Hila Ashkenazi has displayed Israeli and American flags over her bagel shop in eastern Queens for 25 years. Throughout most of that time, she believed the community appreciated her business and its Jewish identity.

However, recent incidents and political actions have sparked concern among local Jewish residents, leading to a heightened sense of vulnerability and anxiety within the community. These developments underscore the complex relationship between local political decisions and their impact on everyday lives.