New York City takes action against rising antisemitism

In the United States, members of the Jewish community and their allies marched in Baltimore on June 1, 2025, to show solidarity with victims of hate crimes following significant recent incidents targeting Jewish individuals. This march was prompted by a firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, which took place during a rally advocating for the release of hostages taken by Hamas. The organizers of the event, 'Run 4 Their Lives Baltimore,' emphasized the importance of community unity and resilience in the face of rising violence and antisemitism. Many participants expressed concerns regarding their safety but highlighted their commitment not to be silenced by fear. Rabbi Rachel Sabath of the Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation spoke about a personal connection to the rally, recalling a family friend whose fate remains uncertain after being taken during an attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. She emphasized the tragic implications of such violence, especially given that an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor was among the victims of the recent Boulder attack. This underlined the continuous threat of antisemitism that has persisted through generations, leading to calls for more robust protections against such hatred. In response to growing concerns, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced new legislative measures during a synagogue event in Tribeca. The executive order he signed seeks to implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, aiming to standardize the understanding of antisemitic speech and actions. Adams highlighted that this definition includes harmful myths such as claiming Jews fabricate or exaggerate the Holocaust and blaming them for the actions of the Israeli state. He asserted the need for New York, as home to a significant Jewish population, to take a firm stand against such discrimination. The solidarity among Jewish communities in both Boulder and Baltimore illustrates the widespread impact of antisemitism and the shared determination to combat it. At the Pikesville march, over 400 individuals participated, reminding attendees of the severity of hate crimes that have increasingly threatened Jewish individuals and institutions. Chicago resident Moshe Lavi attended the Boulder rally representing his family, and emphasized the necessity for community members to unify for the release of their loved ones. Furthermore, Raz Ben Ami, a previously released hostage, shared her harrowing experience of mental and physical torment in captivity, underscoring the personal stakes involved in the broader discussions of safety and human rights for Jewish individuals today. This interconnectedness of events demonstrates both the urgent need for advocacy and the collective strength of communities facing such challenges.