Jewish Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), who represents many of the Jewish communities based in the northwest Bronx, and New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul have denounced a planned rally on Sunday, Oct. 8, in Times Square organized by the New York chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. The rally comes a day after the Associated Press and other media outlets reported that Hamas militant group said it was holding “dozens” of Israeli soldiers captive in the Gaza Strip as part of attacks on Israel.

 

According to AP, Abu Obeida, spokesman for the group’s military wing, said the soldiers, including some officers, were captured during a surprise infiltration into southern Israel on Saturday. Eyewitness News ABC7NY reported on Saturday night that at least 300 are dead and thousands are injured in Israel and Gaza after Hamas launched rocket attacks on Saturday.

 

As various federal, State, City and local elected officials publicly denounced the terrorist attacks throughout Saturday, the New York chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America announced the planned rally, writing, “Tomorrow, October 8, at 1PM. Times Square. In solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist 75 years of occupation and apartheid.”

 

The group also wrote, “DSA is steadfast in expressing our solidarity with Palestine. Today’s events are a direct result of Israel’s apartheid regime—a regime that receives billions in funding from the United States. End the violence. End the Occupation. Free Palestine. We unequivocally condemn the killing of all civilians. It is imperative for international human rights law to be respected. But we cannot forget that the Israeli state has systematically denied Palestinians the right to self-determination for decades.”

 

The assemblyman reacted to news of the rally, writing, “NYC-DSA is holding a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people Sunday, on Simchas Torah, and the day after the Iranian-backed Hamas launched its attacks on Israeli civilians.” Dinowitz added, “It seems NYC-DSA is happy hundreds of Israelis have been viciously murdered. This is a sickening display of antisemitism.”

 

Earlier on Saturday, the assemblyman had issued an earlier statement in response to the attacks, saying, “I stand with Israel today and always. I support Israel’s response to the savage attacks against civilians by the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. These terrorists have launched thousands of rockets against Israeli civilians and kidnapped, beaten, and killed civilians.”

 

He continued, “Israel not only has a right to defend itself but must respond in the most substantial possible way against these barbaric attacks without regard to proportionality. We must continue to unequivocally stand with Israel and their right to eliminate terrorists who have attacked the Jewish state.”

 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also reacted to news of the planned rally, writing, “The people of Israel are facing violent terrorist attacks and civilian kidnappings. I condemn plans to rally in Times Square tomorrow in support of the perpetrators of these horrific actions,” she said. “The planned rally is abhorrent and morally repugnant.”

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, currently on a trip of Central America to assess how his administration can address the increasing influx of migrants at the southern border, released a statement on Saturday, Oct. 7, on what he described as “an unprovoked and cowardly attack against Israel and its citizens.” 

 

The mayor said, “New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day, but we do so with extra resolve today in light of Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attacks directed at the country and its people. I was on the ground in Israel less than two months ago and personally saw those of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths living in peace side-by-side. Today’s attack, coming at the end of what is supposed to be a celebratory time at the end of the Jewish High Holy days, is nothing more than a cowardly action by a terrorist organization seeking to undo that peace and divide us into factions. That won’t happen.”

 

He continued, “We have resources on the ground in Israel gathering intelligence, and we are continually monitoring multiple channels to identify any potential threats, both here and abroad. I am also communicating directly with Police Commissioner [Edward] Caban and Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism [Rebecca] Weiner about the situation. While there is no credible threat to New York City at this time, our administration is in touch with Jewish leaders across the five boroughs, and we have directed the NYPD to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship citywide to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to make sure everyone feels safe.”

 

Adams extended New York City’s sincerest condolences to the families of the victims lost in the attacks. “[We] hope that not another family has to experience the pain of losing a loved one,” he said. 

 

According to Fordham University’s Center for Jewish Studies, The Bronx, in the 1930s through the early 1950s was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the United states. According to Dr. Seymour J. Perlin, the South Bronx alone had some 360,000 Jews, 260 registered synagogues, and at least twice as many unregistered ones.

 

Since then, according to Perlin, most Jews have moved to the suburbs. However, a number of synagogues are still to be found in the northwest of the borough in neighborhoods like Riverdale, as well as in Van Cortlandt Village, Allerton, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park, Co-op City and other areas of the borough which still has a fairly large Jewish community of more than 20,000 people.

City Councilman Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11), who is also Jewish, the son of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and who also represents many of the same Jewish communities based in the northwest Bronx, had also released a statement in response to the attacks on Saturday, writing, “Hamas terrorists have infiltrated Israeli towns and launched thousands of missiles, including into Jerusalem. I proudly stand with Israel as they face this unprecedented attack.”

 

As reported, the councilman released a statement on July 26, 2021 in support of over 50 professors at the City University of New York who resigned from their union, the Professional Staff Congress of CUNY (PSC-CUNY), in response to a resolution passed by the union on June 10 which condemned Israeli government actions against Palestinians during the latest wave of violence which occurred in Gaza in May and June 2021.

 

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for New York had also earlier given her reaction to the attacks, saying, “I strongly condemn the unprovoked terrorist attack launched today by Hamas against Israel, including against civilians. I am horrified by the onslaught of rocket fire and the infiltration of armed terrorists into Israeli neighborhoods and by reports of killings, injuries and kidnappings.”

 

The senator continued, “I stand shoulder to shoulder with the Israeli people in this moment of tragedy. Throughout my career, I have worked with my colleagues to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars for Israel’s defensive systems and that work will be more critical than ever. The bond between our countries is unwavering and unbreakable and the U.S. stands ready and will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners.”

 

Her sentiments were echoed by Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) who represents a large section of The Bronx stretching from the north to the south, including the north center and northwest where large Jewish communities reside. The district is home to nearly 740,000 residents in total and is home to the neighborhoods of Allerton, Bathgate, Baychester, Belmont, Claremont, Fordham, Melrose, Morrisania, Morris Park, Mott Haven, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Tremont, Olinville, Norwood, Highbridge , Van Nest, West Farms, Williamsbridge, and Woodlawn.

 

Officials from the congressman’s office released a statement on behalf of Torres, who they said was a steadfast supporter and ally of Israel, condemning the attack.

 

“Hamas has declared war on Israel, launching a surprise and unprecedented terrorist attack overnight, invading Israeli towns and taking hostages, firing more than 2,000 rockets, murdering at least 40 Israelis and counting, and otherwise ambushing Israeli by air, land, and sea,” he said. “Israelis are doing precisely what we, as Americans, would do if we found ourselves under sudden attack, defending itself and its people.”

 

He continued, “I unequivocally stand with Israel as it rightly defends itself and condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of Hamas – a terrorist organization that has long sought the destruction of the Jewish state – and extend my deepest condolences for the innocent Israeli lives lost thus far.”

 

A statement was also released by Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), who represents Wakefield in the north Bronx and also Westchester county, said, “I strongly condemn the horrific attacks by Hamas and am saddened by the loss of precious lives, especially on the holy day of Simchat Torah.”

Bowman continued, “We need a way to end this deadly violence that is killing and traumatizing generations of Israelis and Palestinians alike, including the blockade of Gaza. I have been to the Gaza border and know that Israelis and Palestinians are constantly living in fear. We must work harder to ensure peace in the region.”

 

He concluded, “As new information continues to emerge, my team and I will be following this closely especially since several of our NY-16 community members are in the area of the attacks.”

 

Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who represents parts of The Bronx and Manhattan, also condemned the attack, saying in part, “Today’s brutal attacks on Israel and Israeli citizens are nothing short of reprehensible. The world must unite to condemn Hamas and all egregious acts terrorism. We stand united with Israel.”

 

He added, “U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html.”

 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N-14), who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, also issued a statement on Saturday, saying, “Today is devastating for all those seeking a lasting peace and respect for human rights in Israel and Palestine. I condemn Hamas’ attack in the strongest possible terms.” The congresswoman added, “No child and family should ever endure this kind of violence and fear, and this violence will not solve the ongoing oppression and occupation in the region. An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation is urgently needed to save lives.”

 

On Sunday, Oct. 8, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined faith leaders, community members, and elected officials for a vigil in The Bronx for the victims of the attacks. Following the vigil, she released the following statement condemning them and reiterating the Bronx`s support for the residents impacted by the attacks.

“Yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Israel that have killed hundreds of residents and injured thousands more, including innocent children and seniors, is heartbreaking and outrageous. A cowardly violent attack on innocent people goes against everything that we stand for as a nation,” she said.

“We condemn these acts of terror and are working closely with the NYPD and our faith leaders to ensure our Jewish residents and families in our borough are safe. Our hearts also go out to the families impacted by this horrific tragedy and our Bronx residents with loved ones and friends currently in Israel. As a Borough, we pray for peace and stand in solidarity with Israel today and every other day against violent extremism.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is also Jewish, said on Saturday the enormous loss of life was gut-wrenching. “I am appalled at the viciousness of the attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians. I expressed my commitment to top Biden admin officials, and directly to Amb. Herzog, to do all I can to deliver everything Israel requires.” He later provided a more lengthy update, copied above, on what the Biden administration was doing to support Israel.

 

On Sunday, NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “The idea that anyone would rally to support perpetrators of unprovoked attacks on civilians is heinous. What is happening to the innocent people of Israel can never be justified. The lack of respect for the loss of life is unconscionable. NY stands with Israel.”

 

A statement was also released on Sunday from the chairman of the New York Democrats, Jay S. Jacobs, who wrote, “The rally in support of the terrorist violence against the State of Israel, promoted by the group that refers to themselves as the “Democratic Socialists of America” is repugnant to everything that our country and this Democratic Party stands for.”

 

He continued, “The surprise attack against innocent civilians, numbers of who were kidnapped and taken hostage by a terrorist organization should be universally and categorically condemned by all parties in our political process. The New York State Democratic Party strongly condemns the “NYC-DSA” whose support of a rally that sought to justify the wholly unjustifiable acts of wonton violence, terrorism, kidnapping and murder that was perpetrated on the people of Israel this weekend.”

 

Meanwhile, New York State Young Republican chair Peter Giunta released a statement on Sunday evening, saying, “It took the New York Democrats more than 24 hours after first being called out by the New York State Young Republicans to denounce today’s DSA-orchestrated rally of terrorist sympathizers celebrating the massacre in Israel.” He added, “It is embarrassing that it took a major political party so long to make such a statement — but we’re glad to see that, after our persistent prompting, they did the right thing.”

 

Giunta concluded, “Young Republicans will not only stand against anti-Semitism and Jew hatred, we will also FIGHT it and anyone who enables it. Now we’re calling on the New York State Young Democrats to do the same.”

 

On Monday, Oct. 9, Morgan Evers, state committee member of the Bronx Democratic Party, issued a statement on the attacks, saying, “In light of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel over the weekend, particularly on the traditionally joyous occasion of Simchat Torah, my heart aches.” She added, “It is devastating to witness such acts of violence that undermine the basic right of individuals to feel secure in their homes. My deepest sympathy goes out to those who have endured the trauma and horror inflicted by these acts of terrorism. I extend my heartfelt love and thoughts to the people of Israel, expressing my earnest desire for peace, the safety of all civilians, and a swift cessation of violence in the region.”

 

Her thoughts were echoed by Ramdat Singh, a district leader of the 81st assembly district, who said, “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks by Hamas. As an elected District Leader, with a prominent Jewish constituency, I pray for the safety of our neighbors. I pray for peace in the Middle East. Om Shanti!”

Abigail Martin, also a district leader for A.D. 81, said that as a mother, daughter, and steadfast friend of Israel, the images seen over the past two days horrified her to the core. “I strongly condemn and am deeply saddened by the horrific attacks carried out by Iranian-backed Hamas,” Martin said. “I am saddened by the loss of precious lives, and scared for my community members and friends currently in Israel. By initiating this violence, Hamas is bringing more violence against its own people. We need a way to end this deadly violence before more lives are lost. Hamas must be stopped. I stand with Israel. Pray for peace.”

 

Meanwhile, Betsey Knapp, president of the Unity Democratic Club, said, “I am deeply troubled by the bloodshed in Israel and condemn the violence and kidnapping against civilians. I am thinking of our club members, and their families, who are in the region at this time, and praying for their safety.” She added, “I am hopeful the warfare will end soon and all may be rejoined with their loved ones.”

According to Council on Foreign Relations, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. In 1947, the United Nations adopted Resolution 181, known as the Partition Plan, which sought to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was created, sparking the first Arab-Israeli War. The war ended in 1949 with Israel’s victory, but 750,000 Palestinians were displaced, and the territory was divided into 3 parts: the State of Israel, the West Bank (of the Jordan River), and the Gaza Strip.

 

A breakdown as of Oct. 7, 2023, excluding the latest attacks, of the deaths incurred by both Israel and Palestine since the conflict began is attached, sourced from the United Nations.

 

The Jewish community recently celebrated Yom Kippur for Hebrew Year 5784 which began on Sunday, 24 Sept., and ended on Monday, 25 Sept.

 

As reported, there have been a number of hate crimes reported in The Bronx in which Jewish community members have been targeted.

 

Norwood News reported on a number of attacks on various Jewish synagogues in 2021 in the northwest Bronx. A man was later arrested and charged in connection with the incidents. Riverdale resident Michael Horowitz later wrote an op-ed on those incidents for Norwood News.

 

Meanwhile, earlier in 2023, as reported, the Muslim community were also targeted and three mosques were broken into in the north Bronx during the holy month of Ramadan. As also reported, the borough president, in conjunction with the Bronx Interfaith Council, hosted a National Day of Prayer on May 4.

 

Earlier this year, on April 25, the mayor announced that various City landmarks, including City Hall, would be lit in blue and white in honor of Israeli Independence Day, marking the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

 

Click here for some previous reporting on this topic in 2021.