Cuomo condemns attacks on Jewish New Yorkers in Times Square

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Thursday condemned attacks on Jewish New Yorkers after a man was beaten in Times Square on Thursday amid dueling protests by pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups.

“I unequivocally condemn these brutal attacks on visibly Jewish New Yorkers and we will not tolerate anti-Semitic violent gang harassment and intimidation,” Cuomo wrote on Twitter.

I unequivocally condemn these brutal attacks on visibly Jewish New Yorkers.

NY is home to people from all faiths & backgrounds—everyone must be able to walk the streets safely.

I am directing the @nyspolice Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their assistance in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/WQJp7pTYHC

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 21, 2021

“Those of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities must be able to walk the streets safely and free from harassment and violence,” Cuomo said.

A Jewish man was beaten in Times Square and taken to the hospital for minor injuries amid a clash between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists, ABC News reported.

The police described it as a “gang assault,” and it is not clear if the man was involved in the demonstrations.

There were 26 arrests made on Thursday, the night a cease-fire was called between Israel and Hamas, according to ABC News.

“Justice needs to be done and I am directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their assistance in the investigation of these attacks,” Cuomo added.

Antisemitic attacks have been on the rise since the conflict broke out with synagogues being vandalized and online hate against Jewish people spiking upwards.

The Anti-Defamation League found 17,000 tweets with variations of the words “Hitler was right” between May 7 and May 14.