right next to a synagogue. >> it acts as a deterrent. >> reporter: he was not surprised to hear from those disturbing numbers coming from the nypd. >> i'd like to think we have our fingers on the pulse of the community. and we do. we're hearing a lot of stuff. people are afraid. if they're not afraid, they're concerned. >> reporter: city officials say they hear those concerns. >> we are taking this very seriously, and tackling this head on because no one should have to change the way they dress, whether they wear a facial beard or they wear a garb or yarmulke on their head. >> reporter: what's needed is more education, especially about the holocaust and less rhetoric from elected officials. >> standing up and denouncing hate in all its forms, it's not just words. it really makes a difference in the aftermath of a hate crime. >> reporter: as for akiva pearl,