Eric Adams cautions Jewish New Yorkers about new mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Mayor Adams Warns Jewish New Yorkers Post-Election

During a recent fireside chat at a Movement Against Combat Anti-Semitism event in Tel Aviv, outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his concerns about the incoming mayor-elect, Zoran Mamdani. He specifically warned Jewish New Yorkers that “all is not well” following Mamdani’s victory and emphasized worries regarding their safety and well-being.

Adams, who started a multi-day trip to Israel last Friday, met with political leaders and visited sites connected to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. At the CAM Summit, he received recognition for his efforts to address increasing anti-Semitism.

Mamdani’s Win Leaves Impact on Jewish Students

When asked about the safety of Jewish residents in the city after Mamdani assumes office in 2026, Adams stated, “We need to be honest about this moment, and we cannot let it surface.” He suggested that the Jewish community should be vigilant, given the rise in global hostility. His words carried a weight of urgency, reflecting a personal concern: “If I were a Jewish New Yorker, I would be worried about my children.”

He cautioned the audience again, reinforcing that “everything is not fine.” It’s as if he felt the need to shake them from complacency: “If you say everything is fine, you’re setting yourself up for failure.”

As he moves toward a potential second term in 2025, Adams, running as an independent on an “ending anti-Semitism” platform, noted that the acceptance of anti-Semitism is growing—especially among younger generations.

Concerns Over Rising Anti-Semitism

Adams remarked that “it is now cool and fashionable to be anti-Semitic,” suggesting that an entire generation is being “hijacked” by negative narratives online. He claimed a professional plan is necessary to combat this trend.

Turning toward Israel, he mentioned that supporters of Israel have struggled to counter emotional arguments from anti-Israel factions, which often use graphic images from Gaza to galvanize opinion against the Israeli state. He specifically pointed out that individuals like Mamdani aggravate tensions against Israel.

He also criticized the Queer for Palestine protesters, arguing their premise is flawed because “Israel is the only place in the Middle East where you can walk around being queer.”

Adams Critiques the “Free Palestine” Movement

Adams further asserted that the “Free Palestine” movement isn’t genuinely concerned with land; instead, it aims at “the destruction and extermination of the Jewish people.” Drawing a comparison to his own community, he posed the question, “If this was happening in the African American community, you wouldn’t be silent. So why are others silent now?”

Wrapping up his address at the CAM event, Adams reassured attendees that he remains committed to advocating for the Jewish community even as he steps down from office. “I’m not the outgoing mayor. I’m your brother. And we’re going to continue to stand by you, because you’ve been there for our community so many times, I’m going to be here for your community,” he vowed.