Antisemitic incidents hit historic levels — yet Albany Dems refuse to stand up against it

New York Post - Apr 27th, 2025

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a record-breaking 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States last year, marking a 5% increase from 2023 and a staggering 344% rise over the past five years. New York recorded the highest number of these incidents, with 1,437 cases of assaults, harassment, and vandalism. Critics argue that state lawmakers have failed to address the growing threat, with particular criticism directed at their resistance to Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal to reinstate a mask ban. This measure, proponents argue, would help hold perpetrators accountable by preventing them from concealing their identities.

The ADL's report highlights that many of these antisemitic acts were driven by animosity towards Israel and Zionists, exacerbated by the brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. College campuses have become focal points for such activities, with institutions like Columbia and Cornell witnessing significant anti-Israel and antisemitic demonstrations. Despite some small victories, such as Cornell's cancellation of a controversial performance by an antisemitic artist, lawmakers' reluctance to act against antisemitism remains a pressing issue. The situation underscores a broader societal challenge, with antisemitic sentiment seemingly unchecked and political leaders showing little urgency in addressing the crisis. The coming months may see increased tensions and further incidents if current trends continue unchallenged.

Israel Hamas New York Antisemitism Anti Defamation League Governor Kathy Hochul Mask Ban College Campuses

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RATING

5.8

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights an important issue, antisemitism, and its political implications in New York, leveraging credible data from the ADL to support its claims. However, its focus on critiquing a single political party without offering a balanced perspective limits its overall effectiveness. The lack of multiple sources and transparency in claim verification detracts from its credibility. Despite this, the article's clarity, timeliness, and engagement potential are strong, making it a compelling read for those interested in social justice and political accountability. To improve its impact, a more balanced approach and comprehensive source attribution would be beneficial.

Accuracy

The story's factual accuracy is generally reliable, with several claims supported by credible sources like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The reported number of antisemitic incidents in 2024 and the increase over previous years align with ADL data. However, some claims, such as the exact number of incidents in New York and the motivations behind these incidents, require further verification. The narrative about lawmakers' resistance to mask bans and the political implications are more subjective and less verifiable, relying on interpretation rather than hard data.

Balance

The article predominantly presents a critical perspective on New York Democrats, suggesting a lack of action against antisemitism. It lacks a balanced view as it does not include responses or counterarguments from the lawmakers criticized. The focus on a single political party without exploring broader systemic issues or other stakeholders' perspectives creates an imbalance in the narrative.

Clarity

The language used in the article is clear and direct, making the main points easily understandable. However, the tone is somewhat sensationalized, particularly in its critique of political figures, which may detract from the article's perceived neutrality. The structure is logical, but the lack of nuanced discussion on complex issues like antisemitism and political accountability could confuse readers seeking a more comprehensive understanding.

Source quality

The article references the ADL, a reputable organization, lending credibility to its claims about antisemitic incidents. However, it fails to cite additional sources or provide direct quotes from involved parties, such as the lawmakers or Governor Hochul, which would strengthen its reliability. The reliance on a single source limits the depth of the report.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its methodology and does not clearly disclose the basis for some of its claims, particularly those related to political motivations and legislative actions. There is no explanation of how data was interpreted or any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the narrative. This lack of transparency could lead to reader skepticism about the article's impartiality.