New York launches hate incident hotline in wake of Israel-Hamas war

New Yorkers who experience incidents of hate or bias can now report them to the state via a new hotline and online form, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday. The new resources come amid heightened concerns about a potential rise in hate crimes against Jewish, Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities across the city and state as the Israel-Hamas war stretches into its third week.

Those who experience hate or discrimination, or know someone who has, can reach the state Division of Human Rights’ Hate and Bias Prevention Unit by calling 844-NO-2-HATE, or filling out this online form.

“Hate is a cowardly thing, and no New Yorker should have to endure the discrimination it fuels,” Hochul said in a statement on Friday. “It is crucial to stop any form of hate as soon as it emerges so that it has no opportunity to grow into a force that leads to the loss of life. Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and I am proud to launch this hotline so that everyone can quickly get the help they need.”

A press release from the governor’s office stressed that emergencies and “real-time incidents” should first be reported to 911. Hochul had originally announced plans for the new reporting mechanisms last month at a Center for Jewish History event, per the release.

On Thursday, a 26-year-old man from Manhattan was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 19 year old aboard a bus in Queens last weekend while attempting to remove his turban in what police are investigating as a hate crime. The NYPD is also still looking for nine men allegedly involved in a hate crime assault against three other men, who were Egyptian and Palestinian, in Brooklyn on Oct. 9.