For Immediate Release: August 17, 2026
Press Contact: Audrey Sasson | audrey@jfrej.org| (501) 500-8010

New York, NY – In response to the attack that occurred during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue on Friday, August 14th, Jews For Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ) released the following statement:

Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ) is deeply saddened by news of the assault during Shabbat Services Friday night at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. We are relieved that no one was seriously injured — all of us deserve to gather with our communities in safety and pray free from fear.

While we do not yet know the motive of this attacker, we do know that antisemitism and many other forms of hate violence have surged since the 2016 election brought the far right into the mainstream. For a decade, the Jewish community has only been offered empty rhetoric and bulletproof glass to hide behind. That’s why, earlier this year, communities targeted by hate violence from across the city signed onto JFREJ’s evidence-based, comprehensive, positive vision for hate violence prevention — we demand real policy solutions that bring New Yorkers together in safety and solidarity.

Prior mayors and city councils have failed to substantively address this crisis. But the potential for real change arrived this June when Mayor Mamdani and the City Council Progressive Caucus fought for and won a budget with an unprecedented $29 million dollar investment in hate violence prevention to fund this vision.

On Friday, our Shabbat was marred by an act of violence. But today marks a new week. Shabbat ends with Havdalah, a ritual that marks the separation of the past from a future full of possibility. Together we say LaYehudim hayta orah v’simcha v’sasson v’ikar and reach for a future where all of our communities have light and gladness, joy and dignity.