Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is attributing the sharp rise in antisemitic violence across New York City to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, dismissing claims that the city’s bail reform policies are the primary cause. In an interview with Kol Haolam, Cuomo emphasized that the recent surge in antisemitic incidents stems from geopolitical unrest, not solely from domestic criminal justice issues.

“People are angry because of what’s happening in the Middle East, not because of bail reform,” Cuomo stated, pointing to the Israel-Hamas war as the emotional and political catalyst behind the hate crimes wave. However, he criticized local judges and district attorneys for what he called “a pattern of leniency” that allows repeat offenders to remain on the streets, contributing to a sense of lawlessness in the city.

Cuomo’s remarks come as he intensifies outreach to New York’s Orthodox Jewish community ahead of a potential 2025 mayoral run, seeking to rebuild trust after tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic. His message underscores both solidarity with the Jewish community and criticism of New York’s current criminal justice approach, which he argues lacks accountability.

Supporting Cuomo’s position, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) data shows more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents reported across the United States since October 7, 2023—a staggering 140% increase over the previous year. The ADL attributes much of this rise to global events connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict, rather than domestic policy alone.

As antisemitic attacks continue to draw national concern, Cuomo’s framing of the issue highlights the broader intersection between foreign conflict and local unrest. By separating bail reform from the immediate cause while calling out judicial complacency, he aims to position himself as both pragmatic and tough on crime—a message that could resonate strongly with New Yorkers seeking safety and stability amid global and domestic turbulence.