Rising Hate: Recent Surge in Anti-Muslim and Anti-Semitic Incidents Across the U.S.

The New York City Police Department's hate crime unit is investigating threats made against Zohran Mamdani, a mayoral candidate. On a separate note, U.S. Representative Max Miller reported being forced off the road by someone displaying a Palestinian flag. Both incidents are part of a worrying rise in hate crimes directed at various ethnic and religious groups in the United States amid tensions following Israel's war in Gaza.

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed the investigation into threatening, anti-Muslim voicemails received by Mamdani, a Democratic state assembly member. As part of the probe, Mamdani has reportedly cooperated with police. Meanwhile, Max Miller, who is Jewish, said the incident he experienced was antisemitic in nature and filed a report with local authorities.

Such incidents are not isolated. From the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington to a violent attack in Colorado, antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments are becoming increasingly prevalent. Simultaneously, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian prejudices have resulted in tragic incidents, such as the stabbing of a Palestinian child in Illinois.

(With inputs from agencies.)