Mamdani’s choice to address antisemitism is unable to define it.

Debate Over Anti-Semitism Definition Causes Stir in City Council

A decision made by the administration of Mayor Zoran Mamdani to lead an office focused on addressing Jewish hatred led to a heated moment in a city council meeting this past Wednesday. The controversy centered around Filisa Wisdom, recently appointed to the Anti-Semitism Unit, who struggled to provide a definition for “anti-Semitism.”

During the gathering with the city council’s anti-Semitism task force, Wisdom stated she could not offer a definitive explanation, opting instead for a “case-by-case” approach. “I want to emphasize that there isn’t a standardized definition of hatred in our city government,” she explained.

This statement came amid rising tensions, especially after Mamdani, who has been openly critical of Israel, signed an executive order on his first day in office that rescinded the city’s official definition of “anti-Semitism.” The removal, backed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, aimed at distinguishing anti-Semitism from criticism of Israel, which Mamdani has previously described as an “apartheid state.”

The earlier definition had been established during the final months of the Adams administration, supposedly to tackle anti-Semitic sentiments more effectively.

In the meeting, Wisdom elaborated, saying that anti-Semitism refers to violence, prejudice, and discrimination against Jews for their Jewish identity, a viewpoint she claims is broadly accepted within civil rights discussions. However, she maintained her stance against any formal definitions, even when pressed for clarity.

Jewish City Council member Simcha Felder expressed rising frustration at Wisdom’s replies, ultimately leaving the session in a fit of anger. “This is outrageous! We have children in the mayor’s office, and we’re going to assess what constitutes anti-Semitism on a case-by-case basis? I’ve never seen something like this!” he exclaimed.

Other attendees shared similar sentiments, feeling that the mayor’s office is merely making symbolic gestures towards the Jewish community without committing to any real action. Moshe Spern, president of the United Jewish Teachers Association, described the situation as a lack of genuine engagement, stating, “I felt completely sidelined, especially when they refuse to adopt a definition for anti-Semitism.”