Swastikas deface Brooklyn’s Magen David Yeshiva as NYC elects anti-Israel mayor Zohran Mamdani, sparking outrage amid record antisemitic crimes.
In a chilling act of hate, swastikas were spray-painted on the Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn late Tuesday night — the same evening New York City elected anti-Israel politician Zohran Mamdani as mayor.
Photos from the scene show two blood-red swastikas smeared on the school’s wall and window, desecrating one of the city’s most respected Jewish educational institutions.
Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the yeshiva was one of several Jewish sites targeted that night, vowing that law enforcement would investigate the attacks as hate crimes.
“I strongly condemn this hateful display of antisemitism,” Hochul posted on X.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani called the vandalism “disgusting” and “heartbreaking,” pledging to “stand steadfast with our Jewish neighbors.” But Jewish organizations and pro-Israel groups reacted with deep skepticism, citing Mamdani’s record of anti-Israel rhetoric and extremist associations.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, warning:
“Antisemitism has no place in our schools, our government, or our city — but it’s what happens when too many normalize antisemitic rhetoric.”
The United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of New York denounced the vandalism, calling it a painful reminder of a rising tide of antisemitism sweeping across the city.
“Jewish communities across New York are under threat, and the hateful climate is worsening,” the group said, urging stronger protection and accountability.
According to NYPD hate-crime data released Monday, Jews were the victims in 62% of all hate crimes last month, with 29 antisemitic incidents out of 47 total — a staggering figure that underscores the climate of intimidation and fear facing Jewish New Yorkers.
Mamdani’s critics argue that his past anti-Israel statements and support for extremist slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” have emboldened fringe groups and helped legitimize antisemitism in mainstream discourse.
Just one day after the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, Mamdani publicly criticized Israel instead of condemning the terrorists. He later declared that, if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ever visits New York City, he would “have him arrested for war crimes.”
In response to Mamdani’s election, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced a new initiative to monitor his administration’s policies and rhetoric, citing grave concerns over his record and potential impact on Jewish safety.
While Mamdani claimed that combating antisemitism would be a priority for his incoming administration, Jewish leaders remain wary. His words, they say, ring hollow against years of anti-Israel agitation.
“We’ve seen what happens when anti-Israel hatred is normalized,” said a prominent rabbi in Brooklyn. “Graffiti turns into broken windows. Broken windows turn into broken trust. This is not just paint — it’s poison.”
As the new mayor prepares to take office on January 1st, Jewish communities across New York are watching closely — demanding not just words of solidarity, but action and accountability against the hate now staining their city’s walls.
