Hate Crimes Surge to Record High in NY State

Hate crimes in New York state surged by 12.7% in 2023, reaching a record high of 1,089 incidents, a 69% increase since 2019, according to a report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The majority of these crimes targeted Jewish individuals, accounting for 44% of all reported incidents and 88% of religious-based hate crimes. Other significant targets included Black individuals and gay men. Most hate crimes are now directed against people rather than property, with New York City reporting 72 felony assaults, nearly half of which targeted Jews or gay men. The report highlights the urgent need for education and preventative measures to combat this rising trend of bigotry and violence.