New York City Mayor Eric Adams has publicly condemned an anti-Semitic chant that erupted during a Knicks playoff game, targeting a popular Muslim-owned bagel shop in Manhattan. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, where a section of the crowd reportedly chanted 'F*** Ess-a-Bagel'—a reference to the iconic deli—in a display of religious and ethnic hostility.
Mayor's Response
In a statement released Thursday, Mayor Adams described the chant as 'hateful and divisive,' emphasizing that such behavior has no place in New York City. 'Our city is a tapestry of cultures, and we must respect every community,' Adams said. 'This chant was not just an attack on a business; it was an attack on the values that make us strong.' The mayor urged fans to focus on the game and celebrate the diversity that defines the city.
Background of the Bagel Shop
Ess-a-Bagel, located on Third Avenue in Midtown East, has been a staple of New York's culinary scene since 1976. The shop is currently owned by a Muslim family, who have faced harassment in recent months due to their faith. The chant appears to be part of a broader pattern of intolerance, with the store receiving threats and negative reviews online. Owner Mohammed Ali expressed disappointment but said he remains committed to serving the community. 'We make bagels for everyone, regardless of their background,' Ali told reporters. 'This hate will not stop us.'
Context of the Game
The Knicks were playing Game 5 of their playoff series against the Miami Heat, a high-stakes match that ended in a 112-101 victory for New York. The chant was reportedly led by a small group of fans in the upper deck, drawing attention from security and nearby spectators. The Knicks organization released a statement condemning the behavior, saying they are working with arena security to identify those involved. 'We do not tolerate any form of hate speech at Madison Square Garden,' the statement read.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with Jewish and Muslim leaders joining forces to denounce the chant. Rabbi David Green of the Jewish Community Council said, 'Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are two sides of the same coin. We stand with our Muslim neighbors.' Meanwhile, civil rights groups have called for increased education and dialogue to prevent future incidents. The New York Police Department has launched an investigation into the chant, though no arrests have been made yet.
Mayor Adams concluded his statement by reiterating his commitment to fighting hate in all forms. 'We will not let a few bigots tarnish the spirit of our city,' he said. 'New York is better than this.'
