We’re horrified — but not surprised — by today’s brutal attacks on the Upper West Side, when a man shouting “Allahu Akbar” stabbed two New Yorkers, one Asian and one visibly Jewish. We’re grateful to the NYPD for its swift response in apprehending the suspect and pray for the victims’ full recovery.

Words have consequences. Particularly, words from the Mayor of New York City. These attacks came soon after Mayor Mamdani once again used his official platform to viciously attack Israel, the only Jewish state. We cannot ignore the dangerous climate created when elected leaders relentlessly portray Israel — and, by extension, the many Jewish New Yorkers who feel a deep connection to it — as uniquely evil and illegitimate.

At a time of rising tension and polarization, our city needs a mayor who rejects the dehumanization of every community, lowers the temperature, and brings us together. Jewish New Yorkers — all New Yorkers — deserve nothing less.