New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered a speech at the city’s largest synagogue, where he addressed the issue of celebrities spewing antisemitism. He criticized sports figures and entertainers for using their influence to promote hateful thinking, specifically antisemitism. Adams made these remarks amid the ongoing conflict in Israel, as the country battles a surprise attack launched by Hamas, resulting in thousands of lives lost.
The rise of antisemitism has been a concerning issue globally and within the United States. Adams called on celebrities to use their influence to combat this trend, urging them to reach and educate young people to reverse this growing problem. He emphasized the importance of creating a more open and inclusive dialogue to counter hate.
Adams also pointed to college campuses as breeding grounds for hate, stating that they need to be addressed as well. He highlighted the need for colleges to prioritize academic achievement and fostering genius minds rather than allowing them to become platforms for hate.
The speech took place amid heightened security measures at the synagogue, as threats against New York City’s Jewish population have increased during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and combating hate, especially in a city with one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel.