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Jewish New Yorkers Belong Here


Collage of four people - two men and two women - with NYC buildings and parks in the background. Text in the middle of the image reads, “Jewish New Yorkers belong here. Antisemitism does not.” NYC logo is at the bottom, with NYC Commission on Human Rights.

New York City is one of the most welcoming cities in the world. All New Yorkers, including members of our diverse Jewish communities, have the right to practice their religion, celebrate with loved ones, and be who they are proudly and without fear. Jewish New Yorkers contribute to the unique and rich cultural diversity for which New York City is universally known and have the right to live and work free from harassment and discrimination.

Following an increase in antisemitic harassment and discrimination, the New York City Commission on Human Rights has launched a citywide public education effort to send a message that Jewish New Yorkers belong here; antisemitism does not.

The campaign reflects diverse Jewish New Yorkers and includes those who have faced the brunt of antisemitic attacks—Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish people. The images and copy affirm Jewish New Yorkers as an essential part of the fabric of New York City and invite non-Jewish New Yorkers to stand against antisemitism and support their Jewish neighbors.

View press release.

Building Community and Combating Antisemitism

The Commission’s Community Relations Bureau (CRB) partners with sister City agencies, community organizations, faith leaders, and elected officials to raise awareness about issues facing Jewish New Yorkers. The CRB works to promote positive community relations to foster acceptance and understanding between diverse communities.

In 2016, the Commission re-launched its Bias Response team, which works to build community solidarity and stability in the aftermath of a bias incident. For example, the Bias Response Team trained the parent association of P.S. 139 in Queens on the City Human Rights Law after the school’s playground was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. In 2019, following news reports of Hasidic Jewish community members in Borough Park being egged, the CRB, in coalition with community partners, canvassed the neighborhood and distributed materials about protections under the NYC Human Rights Law. Learn more about the Bias Response Team.

Recognizing antisemitism as a unique form of oppression and discrimination, the Commission hired its first-ever Jewish Communities Liaison in 2017. The liaison is tasked with establishing and cultivating the Commission’s relationship with Jewish organizations and community leaders throughout New York City. The liaison has organized New York City’s annual Interfaith Seder for the past three years, and, for the last two years, partnered with organizations to lead a Sukkot celebration in Morningside Park. Contact us if you would like to partner on an event, workshop, or training.

Religious Harassment and Discrimination is Illegal

The New York City Human Rights Law protects New Yorkers from harassment and discrimination in housing, in the workplace, and in all public places based on actual or perceived religion. It is illegal for employers, housing providers, and business owners to treat you differently because of your faith. Download the brochure, Religious Discrimination Protections under the NYC Human Rights Law.

The law also protects New Yorkers from discriminatory harassment. Discriminatory harassment includes threats, intimidation, coercion or violence that interferes with your civil rights and is motivated in part by who you are, including your religion. Learn more about discriminatory harassment.

Additional Resources

Report discrimination: fill out our Report Discrimination form, or call 311 and ask for "Human Rights."

Stay connected with the Commission: www.NYC.gov/HumanRights; @NYCCHR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Man in traditional Orthodox Jewish dress looking straight ahead with NYC bridge in the background. Text reads, “Jewish New Yorkers belong here. Antisemitism does not.” NYC logo is at the bottom, with NYC Commission on Human Rights. On the bottom-right, text reads “Yosef, Brooklyn.” Woman in maroon sweater looking straight ahead with NYC park in the background. Text reads, “Jewish New Yorkers belong here. Antisemitism does not.” NYC logo is at the bottom, with NYC Commission on Human Rights. On the bottom-right, text reads “Laura, Bronx.”
Man in tan jacket looking straight ahead with NYC building in the background. Text reads, “Jewish New Yorkers belong here. Antisemitism does not.” NYC logo is at the bottom, with NYC Commission on Human Rights. On the bottom-right, text reads “Marques, Manhattan.” Woman in brown sweater looking straight ahead with NYC brownstone in the background. Text reads, “Jewish New Yorkers belong here. Antisemitism does not.” NYC logo is at the bottom, with NYC Commission on Human Rights. On the bottom-right, text reads “Dana, Brooklyn.”