One of the most prominent national Jewish advocacy groups placed emphasis on the mayor's New York City Democratic primary on Tuesday night. He praised Andrew Cuomo, robbed Brad Lander and Zoran Mamdani, and supported him as “a member and supporter of America's anti-sensory, anti-Israel democratic society.”
Founded in 1918, the American Jewish Congress did not support candidates and pointed out that working to “become informed and engaged by Jewish voters” is a nonpartisan and tax-free group, emphasizing that Big Apple mayoral race is “very important to its large Jewish community.”
In the e-book of “Dear Friends” to members and supporters, AJC has since mentioned former governor Cuomo five times.
“Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his candidacy, highlighting his long-standing commitment to combating anti-Semitism. The American Jewish Conference praises Governor Kaomo for his strong stance on anti-Semitism and his long-standing support for Israel,” the AJC said in its message.
“We particularly cherish his clear message that there is nothing justifying racism and anti-Semitism, and that “the law must “be actively enforced” in order to protect Jewish New Yorkers. ”
In one mention, the AJC praised Mayor Eric Adams for being “a defender of the voices against anti-Semitism.”
“In contrast, several major democratic enemies have unfairly criticised Israel, downplaying the need to deal with anti-Semite hatred and prejudice,” the group continued.
“Amazingly, some, including Director Brad Lander and state officials. [Assemblyman] Zoran Mamdani is a member and supporter of America's anti-Semitic and anti-Israel democratic socialist. ”
A Jewishman, Lander is running for mayor in busy areas, including DSA-backed Mamdani. Cuomo, Council Chair Adrienne Adams, former city director Scott Stringer, and Mayor Adams are seeking re-election.
The group then returns to Cuomo's promotion.
“We believe Governor Cuomo's campaign will encourage robust and meaningful discussions with other candidates about the most effective ways New York can tackle this growing threat. It is clear that his solid support for the Jewish community and Israel distinguishes Governor Cuomo from some of the other leading Democrat opponents,” the group said.
The AJC has not mentioned anything about Cuomo's baggage or scandals. For example, he resigns as governor under the threat of 2021 each after the numerous sexual misconduct accusations he has denied.
An urban Jewish activist who is well-versed in the AJC and is not a Cuomo fan, was unsure of what he considered a “partisan” statement.
“That's nonpartisan opposition. A source who requested anonymity said:
“It's a coup for Cuomo. There's no doubt about it.”
Stringer, who is also Jewish, was not mentioned in the AJC statement.
The AJC was founded by famous Jewish Americans and leaders such as Albert Einstein, former Israeli Prime Minister Gorda Meir, Rabbi Stephen Wise, Louis Brandes of Justice of the US Supreme Court, and Felix Frankfurter.
Members of the AJC were outspoken supporters of the establishment of Israel, warning about the dangers of Nazism in the 1930s and helped save German Jews during World War II.
In the 1960s, the AJC joined the civil rights movement.
The group's current leadership includes President David Rosen, a Manhattan resident, CEO of the international real estate developer Rosen Partners, and Chairman Jack Rosen, a businessman who describes himself as “a longtime friend of President Biden, Clinton and Bush.”
The post contacted Lander and Mamdani for comments.
Lander's campaign dismissed AJC's criticism of him and praise for Cuomo.
“It's not surprising that Andrew Cuomo will support Donald Trump and use an organization that attacks the top ranked Jewish elected officials in the New York government,” said Allison Hirsch, Lander's Jewish campaign manager.
The Mamdani campaign did not respond immediately.
