Scott Richman (ADL) testifies on antisemitic incident data and education programs
Scott Richman of ADL reports 2025 was the third highest year for antisemitic incidents since 1979, with NYC recording 1,160 incidents (74% within the five boroughs). He urges the Council to promote community-based education programs like ADL's No Place for Hate initiative and ADL Aura, an AI-powered education assistant for K-12 educators.
Chair Salam and members of the Committee to Combat Hate, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
My name is Scott Richman, and I am honored to serve as the regional director for ADL's New York, New Jersey region.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world dedicated since 1913 to fighting anti-Semitism and securing justice and fair treatment to all.
It is incumbent upon all of us to address and speak out on how we can collectively prevent and respond to hate in New York City.
As an example of such hate, let me paint the picture when it comes to fighting hate against the Jewish community.
For nearly five decades, ADL has compiled an annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents.
The audit is drawn from reports submitted by victims, community leaders, law enforcement partners, and media documentation.
ADL tracks, verifies, and in many cases responds to these incidents.
2025 was the third highest year for anti-Semitic incidents since ADL began tracking data in 1979, nearly double pre-October 7th record highs.
The reality is that Jewish Americans continue to be harassed.
assaulted and targeted an average of 17 times every day across this country.
New York State is the epicenter of this crisis.
In 2025, New York recorded 1,160
anti-Semitic incidents more than any other state in the nation, accounting for nearly one in five of all incidents recorded across the United States.
And 74% of those incidents occurred within the five boroughs of New York City.
To respond to this surge in anti-Semitism and to all forms of hate and bias,
ADL urges the council to promote community-based education programs that ensure the safety, inclusion, and support of the Jewish community and all communities.
Programs like ADL's No Place for Hate initiative offers such tools.
No Place for Hate provides a framework for over 300 schools and over 200,000 students across New York and New Jersey to promote safe and inclusive school communities where every student can thrive.
The program is free.
For the schools, dozens of which are currently using it in New York City.
But we need help to get the word out about this effective means for combating hate and bias.
We also urge the council to support educator training and resources that empower teachers to address anti-Semitism and all forms of hate with confidence and accuracy in their work.
To support this critical work, ADL has developed innovative tools like ADL Aura, our
artificial intelligence-powered education assistant that provides K-12 educators and community members with instant access to trusted, expert-vetted lesson plans and teaching strategies.
On Jewish identity, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust.
ADL looks forward to continuing our partnership with this committee, the New York City Council, and with the communities it serves.
We are grateful for your attention to this issue and stand ready to assist with data, resources, programs, and recommendations.
Thank you for your testimony.