New Anti-Semitism Czar Appointment Sparks Controversy
On Thursday, Mayor Zoran Mamdani appointed Phyllisa Wisdom as the head of the newly established anti-Semitism position in his office, drawing criticism from some Orthodox Jewish leaders.
Wisdom, 39, previously served as the executive director of the left-leaning New York Jewish Agenda. Mamdani praised her as a “respected leader” and emphasized their collaborative efforts to combat anti-Semitism throughout the city. He stated, “Each day, we strive to create a New York City where Jewish individuals feel safe, respected, and free.”
However, Mamdani is known for his critical stance on Israel and his support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, while the NYJA, the organization Wisdom once headed, identifies as consisting of “liberal and progressive Zionists” opposed to BDS.
Wisdom has also worked with Yaffed, an organization advocating for regulatory oversight of secular education in yeshivas. In response to her appointment, Brooklyn City Council member Simcha Felder voiced strong disapproval, calling it a “shanda,” or shame, in Yiddish, and urged for her appointment to be reconsidered.
Felder argued that Wisdom’s leadership might exacerbate fears among Jewish New Yorkers and serve to rationalize anti-Semitic sentiments rather than address them effectively.
A recent Department of Education investigation revealed that 18 Hasidic Jewish schools failed to meet essential secular education standards mandated by state laws.
Wisdom expressed her commitment to ensuring the safety and inclusion of the Jewish community in New York City. “This city has long been a source of hope for Jewish people,” she stated. She aims to represent diverse Jewish voices at a time when fear and hatred are reportedly on the rise.
In an interview with WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, Mayor Mamdani acknowledged potential policy disagreements with Wisdom, particularly regarding his support for Israel’s role as a Jewish state and the issue of yeshiva reform. He asserted that these differences do not detract from the critical fight against anti-Semitism in the city.
Mamdani’s administration focuses on ensuring compliance in yeshivas rather than enforcing punitive measures, with concerns about cutting funding to schools failing to meet secular education expectations.
Spokesperson Dora Pekek reinforced that the administration believes all children deserve access to quality education in a safe, culturally relevant environment, noting that private religious schools play an essential role in New York City’s educational landscape.
However, Moshe Davis, who previously directed the office under Mayor Eric Adams, expressed his concerns about Wisdom’s appointment, emphasizing the necessity for the office to function effectively rather than serve a symbolic role. He hopes for her success in enhancing safety for the Jewish community, which he remarked is currently facing challenges.
