Police commish vows NYPD stands as a partner to Jewish community after NYC synagogue attack

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch promised that Jewish institutions across the Big Apple will “not be left to protect themselves” against rising antisemitism as she delivered remarks at Central Synagogue Friday — one week after the violent, hate-filled attack on the place of worship.Tisch, who grew up attending the synagogue on Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street, vowed continued police support and action for Jewish New Yorkers, many of whom witnessed Larry Montes, 46, unleash a horrific, antisemitic assault during Shabbat last week.“What happened here is unacceptable anywhere in this city.

No New Yorker should be assaulted or threatened because of who they are or how they worship,” Tisch told the packed congregation.“A hate crime such as this is a message written in violence,” the commissioner slammed.“The physical wound is inflicted upon one person, but the fear is intended for an entire community,” she said.“It is meant to tell everyone who shares the victim’s identity that they do not belong, that they are vulnerable, that they should be afraid.”Tisch stressed “that message lands with particular force in the Jewish community” as “for years now, Jewish New Yorkers have accounted for roughly half of the city’s confirmed hate-crime victims, despite making up approximately 10% of its population.”As of August, hate crimes against Jewish New Yorkers so far this year increased 8.5% — with a concerning 53.3% increase in antisemitic hate crimes in July 2026 compared to July 2025.“We know that violence can inspire more violence.

Every high-profile attack raises the risk of another,” Tisch added.“Individuals already on the edge do not always need instructions,” she said.“Sometimes, all they need is a spark.”“That is why we take threats seriously, and why we work aggressively to intervene before hatred becomes violence.”The police commissioner asserted that her job, and that of the NYPD, “is to act” and that the...