'This Shall Not Stand': Jewish, interfaith leaders protest antisemitism at rally
Speakers included Jewish leaders and activists, with the rally focused on demanding greater security, confronting rising antisemitism, and demonstrating that Jews and our allies will stand together.
The "This Shall Not Stand" rally, held in Midtown Manhattan, united Jewish and interfaith leaders against antisemitism and hate crimes. The event took place after a violent attack on Central Synagogue, where Larry Montes, a 46-year-old individual, was charged with federal hate crimes following his assault on worshipers and security personnel. Montes' actions were deemed an attack on all of society, as highlighted by Aaron Herman, CEO and co-founder of Impact, the organization behind the rally.
Daniel Rosen, president of Impact, emphasized that the violence was not isolated but part of a larger pattern of attacks across New York City and the country. He stressed the importance of collective action, saying that it was up to individuals to confront hate and protect their communities. Carin Bail, another Impact representative, stressed the need for interfaith solidarity to combat hate.
Muslim activist Atia Shahnaz, a speaker at the rally, echoed this sentiment, stating that respect and protection of neighbors were essential for peace.
The rally featured speeches from various community leaders, addressing the rising climate of fear and insecurity in New York City. Israel advocate Lizzy Savetsky criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling for the Jewish community to enter an "unapologetic era" and reject pandering to the mayor. She urged attendees to take a stand, learn self-defense, and exercise their Second Amendment rights, as attacks on Jewish institutions have become too frequent and widespread.
Rabbi Avi Weiss and Rabbi Binyamin Krauss spoke about the need for Jewish communities to defend themselves and speak out against hate. The rally came amid a surge in antisemitic incidents in New York City, where anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by 8.5% compared to the previous year, accounting for over 56% of all hate crimes citywide. Critics and advocacy groups organized demonstrations, blaming Mayor Mamdani's rhetoric surrounding Israel for fueling the hostility towards Jews.
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