The Things We Want to Ignore
Last week, I was walking through our neighborhood when I noticed a hateful antisemitic word written across a piece of Jewish art. I stopped for a moment, looked at it, and instinctively kept walking. No one had been physically hurt. There was no emergency. Just a word — ugly, hateful, and easy enough to pretend did not matter.
But the farther I walked, the more it bothered me.
Not only because of what was written, but because I realized how easily incidents like this disappear. If nobody reports them, they vanish without a trace — and so does the reality of what our community is experiencing.
As the Director of One Crown Heights, a coalition organized by CHJCC and funded by the New York City Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, I spend a great deal of time thinking about how hate is prevented before it escalates. One thing we have learned is that prevention starts with data collection. If incidents are never reported, communities and city agencies cannot fully understand the scope of antisemitism or respond appropriately.
Sadly, these days Jews are often made to feel that antisemitism is “not so bad,” or, chas v’shalom, that we are somehow overreacting when we speak about it. No community should be told to minimize hatred directed toward them. Taking antisemitism seriously does not mean living in fear. It means being honest about reality and taking responsible civic action when necessary.
So even though part of me felt it might become a hassle, I called the local precinct to report the graffiti.
The officer explained that to make an official report, I first needed to call 911 so an officer could come to the scene. At first, it felt extreme for graffiti, but once the report was taken, the incident officially became part of the city’s data — no longer just another ugly moment someone shrugged off.
While I was there, a member of one of the community patrols also came to assist, and honestly, it felt good not to stand there alone. Shmira and Shomrim can help community members navigate these situations from the start, and that support matters. You can also contact Rabbi Eli Cohen of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, me, Simcha Baez, or our co-director, Maayan Zik.
Many people do not realize that not every antisemitic incident has to rise to the level of a violent crime in order to be reported. Hate crimes involve criminal offenses motivated by bias, while bias incidents can include harassment, slurs, or offensive graffiti that may not meet the legal definition of a crime, but still leaves people feeling targeted and unsafe.
Bias incidents can and should still be reported – to the NYC Human Rights Commission through 311 or their website: https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page
Why does this matter?
Because reporting creates data. Data shapes public awareness, police resources, security funding, prevention programs, and policy decisions. When incidents go unreported, it creates the false impression that antisemitism is insignificant. More reported incidents will translate into more protection for the community.
If you experience or witness antisemitic harassment, graffiti, or threats, please report it. Silence helps hatred stay invisible. Reporting helps protect our community.
According to recent NYPD statistics, 55% of all confirmed hate crimes in New York City during the first quarter of 2026 were anti-Jewish incidents — despite Jews making up only about 10% of the city’s population. I invite readers to look at the city’s interactive hate crimes dashboard to see the data yourself: https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiNTAwY2MzZWUtZTFjMy00YjQ3LTk1YWEtZGE0MDhkN2UzYTRhIiwidCI6IjJiOWY1N2ViLTc4ZDEtNDZmYi1iZTgzLWEyYWZkZDdjNjA0MyJ9
And still, there are countless incidents that never get documented because people decide it is “not worth it.”
I understand that feeling. Reporting can take time. It can feel frustrating or even pointless. But “what’s the point?” is a dangerous question for a community to start asking itself too often.
Because every report helps paint a clearer picture of what our community is facing. Every report strengthens the case for prevention resources, education, security, and support.
Silence allows hatred to remain invisible.
Reporting is one small way we refuse to let that happen.
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To report a hate crime or any emergency, call 911.
Non-emergencies should be reported to the local precinct.
71st Precinct: 718-735-0511
77th Precinct (North of Eastern Parkway) : 718-735-0611
‘What is a Hate Crime’ Guide is a front-back fact sheet that clarifies the difference between hate crimes and bias incidents and how to report each.
If someone has physically harmed you or threatened to harm you, you should call 911. But you should feel free to call either 311, 911, or both if you are unsure which one to call. Whether you call 311 or 911, your complaint will be forwarded to the right place. It is more important to report the incident than to worry about which number to use.
For more information please feel free to contact: simchabaez@onecrownheights.com or Maayan@onecrownheights.com
To learn more about One Crown Heights: https://onecrownheights.com/
Follow us on Instagram @och_festival
Subscribe to our newsletter: http://onecrownheights.com/subscribe/
To contact the CHJCC: (718) 771-9000
Reality - even worse
Once its reported and even if they catch the person, in 24 hours hes back on the streets. NOW, what’s the point?! It just came to a point that even with proof the authorities won’t do anything.