New Yorkers are reeling in the wake of Hamas’ indefensible attacks on Israeli civilians on Saturday, October 7, and the unspeakable harm and violence being wrought on innocent people in Gaza, caught in cycles of violence.
In response, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams shared the following statement on the attacks and New York City’s response on October 11 with New Yorkers: “I believe that in grief, we must provide space and support for people to cry out in their personal and cultural pain. Particularly in a city of great diversity and constituencies we are honored to represent, that is the space that is needed, that our leaders should be building.”
The situation continues to evolve in New York City, where, as the Public Advocate recognized, “So many people are afraid in our city today: Jewish and Israeli New Yorkers, Palestinian and Muslim New Yorkers, and New Yorkers who want to express their support for the people closest to this pain.” It is our goal “to help New Yorkers be and feel safe” during “this moment of tragedy and grief overseas and in our city.” The Public Advocate continued in his October 13 statement: “Most of us in New York do not have the direct ability to end violence overseas, but we must do what we can, with what we have, to comfort our neighbors and prevent escalation in our city." To that end, our team has gathered material resources for New Yorkers navigating a complex and painful situation.
Please note: This post was published Friday, October 13, at 5 PM EST, with updates made on Monday, November 6. This is a quickly evolving situation. We encourage New Yorkers to visit the websites of organizations and government agencies directly for the most up-to-date information. We endeavor to share resources for all New Yorkers; the inclusion of resources here does not equal endorsement.
Personal Safety in NYC
On the evening of October 12, the NYPD released a statement on security that “there are no specific, credible threats to New York City.” There will be an increased police presence at large gatherings, cultural sites and houses of worship, schools, and certain neighborhoods throughout the day on Friday, October 13. New Yorkers not protesting in Times Square are advised to avoid the area.
While there is no specific threat, New Yorkers can take steps to keep themselves safe.
Sign up for Notify NYC for any alerts from NYC Emergency Management.
As of October 12, the Jewish Security Alliance expressed that “at this time there are no known credible threats to the Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey” on October 13. They recommended that institutions remain open, but shared safety precautions for organizations.
Safety Abroad for New Yorkers and Their Loved Ones
Starting today, per U.S. Department of State, “the U.S. government will arrange charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to book commercial transit and seek a safe means of departing Israel.” Senator Cory Booker released information for Americans in Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank; these Americans or their loved ones should complete the crisis intake form, or call +1-833-890-9595 or +1-606-641-0131. New Yorkers can also contact the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs or the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
Per U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, U.S. citizens wishing to depart Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza can check the status of Ben Gurion International Airport and the availability and status of flights, and the status of land border crossings.
The U.S. Department of State provides information about U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations for U.S. citizens, including information about evacuation loan requirements.
The Public Advocate’s Office is here to provide support for New Yorkers who are concerned about their loved ones: call us at 212-669-7250 or email GetHelp@advocate.nyc.gov.
Resources for New Yorkers Impacted by Hate Incidents
Unfortunately, there have already been reports of hate crimes and bias incidents related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in New York City. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has encouraged New Yorkers to contact her office if they experience antisemitic or islamophobic hate, discrimination, or violence, by calling 1-800-771-7755 or reporting the incident online.
New Yorkers can also contact the New York City Hate Crimes Task Force, report discrimination to the New York City Commission on Human Rights, or follow these steps to report a hate crime.
In response to reported increases in Islamophobia and antisemitism in New York City, SafeWalks is continuing to offer free personal accompaniment to and from a transit location for New Yorkers who feel unsafe. Request a SafeWalk.
Mental Health Support
As Documented’s Fisayo Okare expressed, this conflict feels “close to home” for many New Yorkers, and that takes a toll, especially as we worry about our loved ones and witness almost unimaginable destruction and violence. Do not hesitate to seek support:
- The National Disaster Distress Hotline offers resources for Incidents of Mass Violence. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish). For the directions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers to access support in ASL.
- Contact the NAMI-NYC Helpline in English or in Spanish for support: call 212-684-3264 or email helpline@naminyc.org.
- New Yorkers can call, text or chat with 988 trained crisis counselors 24/7.
Civil Rights and First Amendment Rights
New Yorkers have a right to protest. Should you choose to attend a protest, review the Legal Aid Society’s What You Need to Know About Your Rights as a Protester.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued Guidance for Students Targeted Due to Islamophobia, Palestine Rights Advocacy, and CAIR-NY offers guidance if you’re approached by law enforcement for activism; New Yorkers may call them at (646) 665-7599 or complete an incident report for discrimination, harassment, or hate crimes.
Resources for Students and Young People
- Young people may be overwhelmed by current events or even loss in their family; UNICEF offers advice for talking to children about conflict and war.
- Learning for Justice has created “Handle With Care: Supporting Young People During Crises” to encourage thoughtful, sensitive conversations with young people.
- Teenagers can call, text, chat, or email the YouthLine.
- CUNY students can find support through CUNY’s Mental Health Services. Women and nonbinary students can seek support through their campus Women’s Center. Brooklyn College students can contact the Brooklyn College Women’s Center at 718-951-5777.
- The Israel-Hamas War: A Forum for Young People to React via The New York Times
- PBS’s Wide Angle offers a high school lesson plan on the conflict: “Making a Difference in the Midst of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
- Facing History & Ourselves offers a lesson plan on “Processing Antisemitism, Terror, and War” and another lesson plan on “Processing the Violence in Israel and Gaza”
- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers student guides on Confronting Antisemitism and Learning for Justice offers a lesson plan on Countering Islamophobia.
- Jews for Racial & Economic Justice offer an “Unraveling Antisemitism” poster and discussion guide.
- The Arab American Association of New York offers a Weekly Virtual Arab Youth Support Group. Interested young people can call Gufran at 312-798-9146 to sign up.
Avoiding Misinformation
As events on the ground in Israel and Gaza, and here in New York City, are rapidly evolving, it’s especially important to consume media with a careful and critical lens. Here are tools for spotting misinformation:
- The Associated Press is documenting false claims and media in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the New York Times has reported on false social media content.
- Find tools to navigate social media in times of war, and to avoid spreading misinformation.
- Reference The Washington Post’s How to avoid falling for misinformation, AI images on social media.
- The News Literacy Project has created an Israel-Hamas War Media Literacy tool and a misinformation infographic for young people.
New Yorkers, please take care of yourselves and one another, and stay safe. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 212-669-7250 or GetHelp@advocate.nyc.gov.
During an emergency, call or text 911
By Mirielle Clifford, Deputy Digital Media Director
Image: Caroll Andrewsk for the New York City Public Advocate's Office. From a 2022 Gun Violence Vigil.