Knicks star Karl Anthony-Towns reportedly attends Jewish fundraiser as other NBA players take opposite stand

New York Knicks NBA champion Karl Anthony-Towns went to a fundraiser Monday night for the local New York City Jewish youth education group Chazaq, according to The Algemeiner.Anthony-Towns told the crowd it was "an honor to be able to play for y’all and represent what this city is."The organization reportedly gave Anthony-Towns a gift promoting its "speak no evil" anti-bullying campaign.

The appearance by Anthony-Towns comes in the wake of Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama showing approval of an anti-Israel message by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani when they liked an Instagram video in which he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" and urged federal authorities to arrest him if he enters New York City.KYRIE IRVING, VICTOR WEMBANYAMA LIKE MAMDANI'S VIDEO CALLING NETANYAHU A 'WAR CRIMINAL'Anthony-Towns' attendance at the event comes amid high levels of anti-semitism-related cries in the city.According to the New York Police Department data for 2026, antisemitic hate crimes in New York City remain high, accounting for roughly 55% to 60% of all confirmed hate crimes in the city, despite Jewish New Yorkers making up about 10% of the population.

The NYPD recorded 78 antisemitic cases out of 143 total confirmed hate crimes (55% of all incidents) in the first quarter of 2026.JEWISH LEADERS FAULT MAMDANI RHETORIC AS UPPER WEST SIDE STABBING, HATE CRIME PROBE CONTINUESNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced intense criticism from prominent Jewish organizations and elected officials who argue his harsh rhetoric regarding Israel and threats to arret Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contributes to a climate of rising antisemitism within the city.