Hate crimes in New York state surged nearly 13% in 2023 compared to the year before, with almost half of the incidents targeting Jews, according to a new report from the state comptroller.
There were 1,089 hate crimes reported in 2023, representing a 69% increase from 2019, the comptroller’s office found. Of those, 477, or 44%, were characterized as anti-Jewish, 183 as anti-Black and 130 as anti-gay male. The other incidents reported were described as anti-Asian, anti-Islamic and anti-transgender.
Less than half of incidents resulted in an arrest, according to Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
“Fighting hatred and bigotry demands that we communicate with, respect and accept our neighbors,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “It requires our spiritual, political, community and business leaders to take active roles in denouncing hate, investing in prevention and protection efforts, and increasing education that celebrates the value of New York’s diversity.”
The data shows that most of the hate crimes targeted people, a change from previous years when property hate crimes were more common. In the months after the war between Israel and Hamas began in October, both Muslim and Jewish leaders in New York reported a rise in attacks against members of their communities.
In New York City, the comptroller’s report found that most hate crimes were committed against people, not property, including 72 felony assaults. Of those, almost half targeted Jews or gay men.
The most common anti-Jewish offense in the city was categorized as aggravated harassment, which includes acts like painting a swastika, according to the comptroller. Almost all such incidents were directed against Jews.
To report a hate crime to the state, call 844-NO-2-HATE or fill out this form.