RNS Morning Report - Antisemitism, safety and the Mamdani moment

Jewish New Yorkers on antisemitism, safety and the Mamdani moment   After two men, one wearing a kippah and the other Asian, were attacked in Manhattan in July, the New York Police Department announced it would investigate the incident as a hate crime. Back a few months ago, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said more than half of all hate crimes in the city this year targeted Jews. Many Jewish leaders and residents have raised concerns about growing antisemitism in the city, with some arguing that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified tensions.   At what appears to be a critical moment in the mayor’s short history with the Jewish community and its long history of antisemitism, RNS interviewed 18 Jewish New Yorkers about the impact of hate, their views on the mayor’s statements about the Israeli government and how they are feeling about their safety.   “Jewish New Yorkers are being asked to carry the weight of a conflict thousands of miles away, regardless of our individual beliefs, backgrounds or politics,” said Dan Haddad, a Brooklyn resident.   Read the full story here.         Top Stories Jewish New Yorkers on antisemitism, safety and the city’s first anti-Zionist mayor (RNS) — 'Jewish New Yorkers are being asked to carry the weight of a conflict thousands of miles away, regardless of our individual beliefs, backgrounds or politics,' said Dan Haddad, a Brooklyn resident. After SSPX schism, some Catholics urge greater access to the older Latin Mass (RNS) — Many of the 2% of U.S. Catholics who attend the traditional Latin Mass weekly surmount considerable obstacles, like long drives and disapproval from the Catholic hierarchy, to attend. Houston mothers challenge Texas Ten Commandments law under state religious freedom protections AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) — The lawsuit is the latest challenge to Senate Bill 10 — this time under Texas law.         Opinion Why did the nation’s founders suddenly fear a godless republic? (RNS) — The founders' belief about religion and government changed fast — mostly because of what was happening overseas. Why did a pastor say he almost died from listening to a chatbot? (RNS) — A chatbot functions as a mirror — not a true spiritual guide. ICYMI The House vote that split Jewish Democrats and is reshaping alliances (RNS) — 'I think it's a sign of health, as well as inevitable, that the Jewish members of Congress would approach this vote from different perspectives,' Rep. Jamie Raskin said. Progressive National Baptist young people see signs of welcome but seek less judgment WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘I feel like also seasoned adults complain about what we're wearing,’ said one teen about her historically Black denomination. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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