“This Shall Not Stand”: Queens Community Rallies Together After Antisemitic Vandalism Spree
On May 10th, hundreds of residents, activists, clergy, students, and elected officials gathered Sunday morning at Yellowstone Park in Forest Hills for a forceful rally condemning antisemitism following a disturbing series of hate crimes that shook the Jewish community across Forest Hills and Rego Park.
Branded “This Shall Not Stand,” the rally was organized by IMPACT and the #EndJewHatred movement after Nazi symbols and swastikas were spray-painted on synagogues, homes, daycare centers, and other Jewish sites throughout Queens — including the residence of a Holocaust survivor and the historic Rego Park Jewish Center.
Rabbi Yaniv Meirov was on hand to give the invocation and kick-off the event. The crowd waved Israeli and American flags while holding signs reading “Stand Against Antisemitism,” “Never Again,” and “Stop Hate.” Speakers emphasized that Jewish New Yorkers refuse to be intimidated, demanding stronger action from city and state leaders.
“This rally is not only about fighting Jew hatred,” said IMPACT President and co-founder Daniel Rosen. “It’s about letting the world know that these horrible acts will not stand. Everyone must know that we, as a community, will organize and respond – no more fear, no more silence,” he declared, leading the crowd in chants, “This will not stand!”
Comedian, actor, and activist Zack Sage Fox delivered one of the rally’s most energetic addresses, urging Jewish New Yorkers to become vocal advocates online and in public life.
“The stronger they come after us, the prouder Jew I become,” Fox said. He sharply criticized what he described as a lack of urgency from political leaders and media outlets in covering antisemitic incidents in New York City. “We have to be social media warriors,” he said. “Never Again is now.”
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive and candidate for governor of New York, delivered a forceful speech warning that antisemitism has become increasingly normalized.
“Antisemitism is on the rise, and we have to make sure every antisemite knows we will not back down,” Blakeman told attendees. “It is un-American to commit acts of harassment and violence against Jews.”
Blakeman also referenced anti-Israel demonstrations and vowed to continue speaking out against hate crimes and intimidation targeting Jewish residents. Recently, he joined a press conference in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, over scheduled tour for Uzbek singer Yulduz Usmonova to perform at the Oceana Theater in a largely Russian-Jewish neighborhood, with additional shows planned in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Following strong community opposition over her hate-filled antisemitic rhetoric, the Brooklyn concert was canceled that evening and the entire tour subsequently scrapped.
Assemblyman David Weprin called the rise in antisemitic attacks a national crisis and part of a dangerous trend that must be confronted directly. “Since October 7, hate crimes have increased, and more than 50 percent of all hate crimes are antisemitic hate crimes,” Weprin said. “For the first time in my life, many Jewish New Yorkers do not feel safe in this city.”
Among the rally’s most passionate speakers was Jayne Zirkle of The Lawfare Project, who warned that the extremism fueling antisemitism threatens the foundations of American society itself. “We are here today because we refuse to stay silent,” Zirkle declared. “This rally is not only about antisemitism. It is about defending Western civilization.”
Referencing incidents involving Jewish students on college campuses, Zirkle highlighted her organization’s legal efforts defending Jewish civil rights.
“When Jewish Americans are targeted because they are Jewish, when terrorist organizations are glorified and intimidation is used to silence people, that is not protest — that is terrorism,” she said.
Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip also addressed the crowd. Imploring NYC leaders, she touted her own legislation that prohibits wearing masks and kufiyahs at protests, “If you really care about our Jewish community, you should pass bills that can protect our Jewish community.”
The rally also featured remarks from student leaders and young activists, including Ariel Akbashev and teenage commentator Hillel Kornwasser, who spoke about rising fear and antisemitism facing Jewish students on campuses and in public life.
“Kids in my generation are forced to ask themselves if it’s safe to wear a kippah in public,” Kornwasser said. “That is unacceptable.”
Councilman James Gennaro was also warmly received, who expressed his ardent support of the Jewish community and opposition to antisemitism.
Musical performances by singer Shlomo Mash energized the crowd, while rabbis and community leaders emphasized unity, resilience, and solidarity in the face of hate.
As the rally concluded, the message was clear that the Jewish community and its allies will continue speaking out against antisemitism wherever it appears.
————————-Update——————————
In the aftermath of the chaotic anti-Israel demonstration that engulfed the predominantly Jewish neighborhood of Midwood the very next day in Brooklyn Monday night, Jewish residents, community leaders, and supporters across New York are now preparing for another major show of solidarity and resistance — this time outside Gracie Mansion on Tuesday May 26.
What organizers and local residents say began as a protest over an alleged real estate event quickly spiraled into hours of intimidation, unrest, and disorder throughout the Jewish neighborhood. Demonstrators flooded residential streets and commercial corridors, many masked and in kufiyehs while waving Palestinian and Hezbollah flags and chanting slogans including “Globalize the Intifada” and calls for the elimination of Israel. Some even had the audacity to wear what appeared to be a representation of a “suicide vest” and staged an Islamic call-to-prayer in front of a Jewish house of worship.
Residents reported harassment, confrontations, disruptions to businesses, and clashes with police as the demonstration stretched for hours and shut down portions of Ocean Avenue.
Critics say the incident crossed far beyond the bounds of lawful protest and free speech, describing the atmosphere as one of fear, intimidation, and targeted harassment directed at visibly Jewish residents and families. Videos circulating widely online drew national and international attention, with elected officials and observers condemning the unrest and questioning the city’s response.
Many community advocates sharply criticized Zohran Mamdani, arguing his response failed to match the seriousness of the situation and accusing City Hall of enabling increasingly aggressive anti-Israel demonstrations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish neighborhoods and institutions.
Now, organizers including The Lawfare Project and #EndJewHatred are planning what they expect will be another large rally outside Gracie Mansion under the banner “Protest Zohran Mamdani,” calling on New Yorkers of all backgrounds to “take back our streets” and stand against antisemitism, extremism, and political intimidation.
Supporters of the upcoming demonstration say the message is simple: Jewish New Yorkers — and Americans of conscience from every faith and background — refuse to be intimidated or silenced in their own city.
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