Interest groups discuss hate crimes

In response to hate crimes around the world, participants gathered at the Muslim Community Network meeting on Tuesday evening.

“Lastly, we asked why we had to hold this event, which [United Kingdom] “The riots have indeed escalated hatred and prejudice on the other side of the Atlantic, but we know that there are many such precursors in our city,” said Husein Yatabarry, executive director of the Muslim Community Network.

According to the NYPD, 131 arrests and 329 hate crimes were reported from January to June of this year.

Organizers say hate crimes reported since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel show the need for more dialogue and education.

Yatabarry shared some of the calls the organization has received recently.

“We have heard horrific stories of attacks by people wearing hijabs, of people being reprimanded on the street for being Muslim and wearing clothing that outwardly identifies them as Muslim,” Yatabarry said.

Organizers welcomed people of all faiths and beliefs to participate in Tuesday's discussion, which focused on hate crimes that affect many faiths and cultures, from Muslims and Jews to non-Muslim Arabs, Sikhs and Hindus.

A board member of Malikah, which describes itself as a “counter-violence organization,” told NY1 that there has been greater interest in self-defense training since October 7.

“We focus on women's empowerment and self-defense and protection in public spaces. Especially in New York City, there are a lot of Muslim women and a lot of places that are not safe for women who are identifiably Muslim,” said Fawzia Syed, Malikah board member.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams released a statement in response to the meeting.

“Mayor Eric Adams has made it clear that hate has no place in our city. He has repeatedly condemned hate crimes and hate speech in the strongest possible terms and has spoken out against hate against a wide range of cultures and religions,” a spokesman for the mayor wrote.

According to the NYPD, 53 more hate crimes were reported this year than in the same period last year.