Swastikas Found—Brooklyn Yeshiva SHOCKS City

Aerial view of New York City skyline featuring the Empire State Building at sunset

Within hours of New York City’s historic election of its first Muslim mayor, a disturbing act of antisemitism unfolded, shaking the city to its core.

Story Snapshot

Swastikas found on a Brooklyn yeshiva following Zohran Mamdani’s election.
The incident highlights rising antisemitism and political polarization in NYC.
City officials and Jewish leaders have condemned the act and launched an investigation.
The event underscores the urgency of addressing hate crimes in diverse communities.

Historic Election and Immediate Backlash

On November 5, 2025, Zohran Mamdani was declared the winner of New York City’s mayoral race, marking a historic moment as the city elected its first South Asian and Muslim mayor. However, the celebration was marred by a troubling incident. Within hours of his victory, swastikas were discovered painted on the exterior of a yeshiva in Brooklyn, a borough with a significant Orthodox Jewish community.

The vandalism was immediately condemned by city officials, Jewish community leaders, and civil rights organizations as a blatant act of antisemitism. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force quickly launched an investigation, treating the incident as a hate crime. This attack has intensified the existing concerns about antisemitism in the city, which has seen a rise in such incidents in recent years.

Political and Community Reactions

Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to the incident by reaffirming his commitment to inclusivity and unity within New York City. In a public statement, he declared, “There is no place for hate in our city. We stand with our Jewish neighbors.” His administration has vowed to support the investigation fully and has increased security measures around Jewish institutions in Brooklyn.

Jewish community leaders and civil rights organizations, such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), have called for swift justice and emphasized the need for continued vigilance against hate crimes. The ADL highlighted this incident as a reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism, urging the city to implement stronger preventive measures.

The Broader Implications

The timing of this hate crime, coinciding with a historic political milestone, underscores the tensions and polarization present in the city. The incident has sparked fear and anxiety within the Jewish community and prompted calls for solidarity and interfaith unity. Community vigils and solidarity events are being organized to show support for the affected communities and to promote understanding among diverse groups.

"Swastikas found painted on Brooklyn yeshiva hours after Zohran Mamdani elected NYC mayor" – New York Post #SmartNews https://t.co/IgiS55vcCy

— Richard Sanz (@pacocheelaromo) November 5, 2025

This event also places pressure on the new mayor to address hate crimes decisively, potentially influencing future policy debates on hate crime prevention and community relations. As the investigation continues, the city’s response will be closely monitored as a test of the administration’s commitment to combating hate and ensuring the safety and cohesion of all its communities.