Blaz vows push to stop surge in anti-Semitism

Mayor de Blasio announced new efforts to crack down on anti-Semitism on Sunday, following the latest in a horrifying series of attacks targeting Jewish people in New York and beyond. “Fearing the next act of terror will not become the new normal for our Jewish neighbors,” Hizzoner said in a statement.

“In New York City, diversity is our strength and we respect the traditions of all who call New York City home. Intolerance will never take hold here.” The new steps include “multiethnic interfaith Neighborhood Safety Coalitions,” increased NYPD presence in Jewish neighborhoods and new Education Department curriculums about anti-Semitism.

The new coalitions “will identify and address issues that drive hate-based crimes, bringing together stakeholders from across their communities” in schools, on streetcorners and at places of worship, according to de Blasio’s office.

Details of the coalitions, including budgets, the number of expected members and a launch date, were not immediately known. They’ll be overseen by de Blasio’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, which opened in the fall, after its promised launch date.

The Education Department will conduct hate crime awareness programs at Brooklyn middle and high schools starting next month, the mayor’s office said. “We have to reach out to our young people more effectively,” Hizzoner said at a press conference (photo) at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. “Young people who do not understand the meaning of their actions don’t understand that hatred only breeds more hatred.”

The mayor also said NYPD precincts in Borough Park, Midwood, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Williamsburg will get an extra four to six officers per tour, among other security measures.