After a hard week for many Jewish New Yorkers, this morning offered a much-needed ray of hope.

By now widely reported, earlier this week, Mayor Mamdani once again used his official platform — in a feat of political grandstanding — to launch a vicious attack on Israel’s prime minister and, more broadly, on the state of Israel itself.

As we’ve said repeatedly, it’s of course legitimate to criticize any Israeli leader, government, or policy. But the mayor’s singular focus on demonizing the only Jewish state and its supporters, especially at a moment of increasing vulnerability for the Jewish community, is beyond reckless and places our community at ever-greater risk.

Against this already fraught backdrop, on Thursday, a man shouting “Allahu Akbar” stabbed two people in separate attacks on the Upper West Side — one Asian and one visibly Jewish. The Jewish victim, who was wearing a yarmulke, had been attending services at a local synagogue for Tisha B’Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar.

But (and here is a “but” that couldn’t have been more needed) this morning, we were heartened to see the very best of New York — the New York we know and love well.

UJA, together with our partner JCRC-NY, organized a press conference near the site of the attacks. When invitations like these go out, you never quite know who, if anyone, will show up.

This morning, many did.

A broad coalition of communal leaders and elected officials crossing faith, racial, and ethnic boundaries — Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Asian, and Jewish — all came together in unequivocal condemnation of hate. You can see highlights here.

The message was loud and clear: This is not the moment for irresponsible political rhetoric. Our safety matters. Our identity as Jews is seen and appreciated. We are all of us New York.

And I found myself moved, grateful, relieved — and yes, hopeful — knowing that strong, thoughtful leaders are not looking away in this moment.

Our thanks, too, to Police Commissioner Tisch and the heroic members of the NYPD, whose protection and partnership are never taken for granted.

Having the mayor himself among the greatest obstacles we face is uncharted territory.

But this morning, surrounded by allies, I saw clearly an antidote to the mayor’s dangerous rhetoric.

The struggle is ours, the pain is personal — but we don’t carry the burden alone.

Shabbat shalom