Karl-Anthony Towns Attends Jewish Fundraiser as Antisemitic Hate Crimes Hit 78 in NYC
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 26
Karl-Anthony Towns Attends Jewish Fundraiser as Antisemitic Hate Crimes Hit 78 in NYC
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 26
Summary
Karl-Anthony Towns attended a Monday fundraiser for New York Jewish youth group Chazaq, telling the crowd it was "an honor" to play for and represent the city.
The appearance came as antisemitic hate crimes stayed elevated in New York City, with NYPD data showing 78 cases out of 143 confirmed hate crimes in the first quarter of 2026.
Chazaq gave Towns a gift tied to its "speak no evil" anti-bullying campaign, underscoring the event's focus on community support amid rising fear after two recent stabbings near Central Park.
The visit also contrasted with Kyrie Irving and Victor Wembanyama liking an Instagram video in which Mayor Zohran Mamdani called Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" and urged his arrest if he enters New York City.
Jewish leaders including Yeshiva University President Ari Berman have accused Mamdani's rhetoric on Israel of worsening a climate in which antisemitic incidents make up roughly 55% to 60% of the city's hate crimes.