Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a stark warning about the global rise of antisemitism during an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond Israel or Jewish communities. Speaking from his Jerusalem residence, Herzog described antisemitism as a 'contamination of societies' that begins with Jews but never ends with them, calling for aggressive legal action and education to combat the trend.
The remarks follow newly released New York City Police Department (NYPD) data indicating that anti-Jewish incidents accounted for 56.9% of all confirmed hate crimes in the city since the start of 2026, despite Jewish residents comprising only about 10% of New York’s population. Herzog highlighted the data as evidence of a growing crisis, stating that such rhetoric and violence endanger all citizens.
Herzog’s Criticism of New York Mayor
Herzog directly accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of spreading 'hate' and 'antisemitic rhetoric' during the interview. He claimed Mamdani does not respect the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, adding that such statements risk the safety of New Yorkers. Herzog’s comments referenced a July 21 video in which Mamdani called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'a war criminal' and 'the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.'
The Israeli president also praised former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he credited with supporting Israel, while warning about the threat posed by Iran. Herzog’s statements were made as part of his broader initiative, Voice of the People, launched in April 2023 to address rising antisemitism and related issues.
Recent Violent Incident in NYC
Herzog’s remarks coincided with a violent attack in Manhattan, where Raul Morales, 51, allegedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' while stabbing two men on the Upper West Side. One victim was visibly identifiable as Jewish. Morales was subsequently arrested. Herzog referenced the incident as an example of the dangers posed by unchecked hate speech.
Broader Context and Global Response
The NYPD data underscores a broader trend of increasing antisemitic incidents in major U.S. cities. Jewish advocacy groups have long warned about the surge in hate crimes, linking it to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and domestic political rhetoric. Herzog’s call for 'full adjudication' and education reflects a growing demand for systemic solutions to address the root causes of antisemitism.
Herzog’s initiative, Voice of the People, aims to counter hate speech through public awareness campaigns and partnerships with international organizations. The program’s launch in 2023 followed a series of high-profile antisemitic incidents worldwide, including vandalism, assaults, and online harassment targeting Jewish communities.