New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered a powerful speech at a "New York Stands with Israel" rally, expressing his unwavering support for the city's Jewish community and Israel in the wake of the deadly terror attacks on October 7, which took place on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Adams addressed the crowd of thousands, condemning the spread of antisemitism by Hamas and calling on New Yorkers to stand against it.

Adams began his remarks by acknowledging the atrocities committed by Hamas in southern Israel, where terrorists engaged in acts of murder, rape, torture, and kidnappings, shamelessly boasting about their crimes on social media. He expressed his outrage at the sight of young girls being pulled from their homes and dragged through the streets, grandmothers being forcefully removed from their homes, and children being shot in front of their families. Adams also criticized those in New York City who celebrated while the devastation was occurring in Israel, emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity in the face of such brutality.

The mayor went on to denounce Hamas for their destructive and despicable actions, stating that their belief in fighting for a cause does not justify the harm they inflict. He also highlighted the ongoing plight of hostages who have not yet been reunited with their families, emphasizing that the situation is far from being resolved. Adams made it clear that he and the people of New York City will not simply brush off the horrors they have witnessed, stating, "We are not all right, and we're not going to say we have a stiff upper lip and act like everything is fine."

Adams acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself and emphasized that this right is widely recognized by President Biden and other world leaders. However, he also recognized that the civilian casualties resulting from Israel's retaliatory strikes, exacerbated by Hamas's use of human shields, have fueled anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism both domestically and abroad.

The mayor referenced the recent "Day of Rage" called by Hamas and the protests against Israel's response to the Gaza attacks that have occurred throughout the nation. He noted that during one of these rallies in New York City, pro-Hamas demonstrators ridiculed Israel supporters with images of a swastika, an act that further perpetuates hatred and antisemitism.

Adams drew attention to the alarming rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world, as highlighted in a report by Tel Aviv University's Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry and the Anti-Defamation League. He expressed his concern over the intensification of this trend in 2022, following a year that already set record highs for antisemitic incidents.

Throughout his speech, Adams reiterated his support for the Jewish community, emphasizing that New York City has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. He condemned those who have voiced support for the antisemitism spread by Hamas and called for accountability for those responsible for the attacks. The mayor also thanked religious leaders who have denounced the hatred and antisemitism exhibited on one of the holiest days of the year.

Adams further addressed the issue of antisemitism beyond the context of the conflict in Israel. He criticized celebrities and influencers who use their platforms to spread hateful thinking, specifically targeting antisemitism. He called on them to use their influence and power to reverse this disturbing trend and encourage dialogue and understanding among young people worldwide. Adams also highlighted the role of college campuses in perpetuating hate, stating that they have become breeding grounds for hatred and emphasizing the need for change in this regard.

The speech took place at the largest synagogue in New York City, with heavy security provided by the NYPD due to increased threats against the Jewish population following the conflict in Israel. Adams expressed his concern over the lack of safety felt by the Jewish community in a city with such a significant Jewish population, stressing the need for a shift in the current trajectory.

In conclusion, Mayor Eric Adams delivered a passionate and heartfelt address, voicing his unwavering support for the Jewish community and Israel while condemning the spread of antisemitism. He called for unity, accountability, and a concerted effort to combat hatred and promote understanding.