American flags waved alongside Israeli flags as a diverse coalition of New Yorkers gathered near Gracie Mansion on Tuesday evening, May 26, for what organizers described as one of the largest demonstrations yet against rising anti-Semitism, extremism, and the policies of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Organized by the grassroots civil rights movement EndJewHatred, the rally drew a crowd estimated by organizers at between 1,000 and 1,500 people from across New York City and the surrounding tri-state area. Attendees included Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Iranian Americans, elected officials, activists, social media influencers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders united around a common message: New York must remain a city where all people can live, worship, and express their identity free from intimidation and hate.
The demonstration took place opposite Gracie Mansion under a significant NYPD presence, with security checkpoints and barricades separating protesters from the mayor’s official residence.
Throughout the evening, chants of “USA,” “Zohran Mamdani’s got to go,” and “Enough is enough” echoed through the crowd as speakers criticized what they described as a growing climate of anti-Semitism and radicalization in New York City.
Far from being solely a Jewish event, speakers repeatedly emphasized the rally’s broad interfaith character.
“This was not a pro-Israel rally. This was an interfaith rally against extremism and against radicalization,” civil rights attorney and Lawfare Project founder Brooke Goldstein told attendees and media gathered at the event.
Goldstein argued that the concerns raised by demonstrators extended beyond the Jewish community and touched broader questions of civil rights, public safety, and equal protection under the law.
Every speaker from diverse backgrounds expressed solidarity with Jewish New Yorkers, emphasizing shared concerns regarding religious freedom and civil rights.
Among them was Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, who has become a prominent voice on issues affecting Jewish communities in the region.
Brooklyn Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, a Russian Jewish immigrant who has frequently spoken about growing up under Soviet-era communism and anti-Semitism, delivered remarks warning against what he views as ideological extremism and political radicalization.
“Tonight, in front of Gracie Mansion, New Yorkers made one thing clear: We will not stay silent in the face of anti-Semitism, communism, and dangerous extremist rhetoric,” Novakhov said following the rally.
Bill Donahue, President and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization, forcefully spoke out and stood in solidarity.
Other participants included owner/partner of the Florida Marlins Ari Ackerman, social media activist Lizzy Savetsky, activist Abraham Hamra, transportation advocate Raul Rivera, community activist Hillel Kornwasser, and numerous grassroots organizers.
The central focus of the rally remained criticism of Mayor Mamdani’s handling of issues involving anti-Semitism, public safety, and protest activity.
Speakers repeatedly referenced the mayor’s decisions regarding buffer-zone legislation near houses of worship and educational facilities, as well as his administration’s positions on issues involving Israel and Jewish communities.
Organizers argued that recent policy decisions have contributed to a climate in which antisemitic incidents have become more frequent and more visible.
Attendees carried signs reading “Remove Mamdani,” and “Anti-Zionism Gets Jews Killed.”
Many speakers pointed to recent incidents of vandalism, anti-Semitiic graffiti, harassment near synagogues, and confrontations involving Jewish institutions as evidence that stronger action is needed.
Supporters of the mayor have disputed many of those claims and note that the administration has continued funding and maintaining the city’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism while publicly condemning anti-Semitiic crimes. Nevertheless, criticism from Jewish advocacy organizations has intensified in recent months.
Despite the event’s sharp political criticism, much of the evening focused on themes of American patriotism and unity.
The crowd frequently broke into chants of “USA” while waving American flags.
The National Anthem was performed by Ghazal Mizrahi, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Patriotic music, including Lee Greenwood’s “G-d Bless the USA,” played throughout portions of the rally.
Several speakers took time to thank members of the NYPD for maintaining order and ensuring the event remained peaceful, highlighting a distinct contrast with opposing extremist agitators.
For organizers, the rally represented more than a single evening of protest.
“This movement is not stopping here,” several speakers declared throughout the night.
EndJewHatred leaders indicated they intend to continue organizing public demonstrations, advocacy campaigns, and legal efforts focused on combating anti-Semitism and what they describe as growing political extremism in New York City.
As the crowd dispersed into the Manhattan night, the overriding message remained clear: Participants believed they were defending not only the Jewish community, but broader principles of religious liberty, civil rights, and public safety.
Whether one agreed with every speaker or every political argument presented, the gathering demonstrated the depth of concern felt by many New Yorkers about the city’s direction – and their determination to make their voices heard.
By Robert Pearl