Criticism of Mayor Mamdani’s Anti-Semitism Efforts

A prominent national civil rights group dedicated to combating anti-Semitism has expressed disappointment regarding Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s efforts—or lack thereof—to address anti-Jewish sentiment during his initial 100 days in office.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) stated that the situation was troubling and described Mamdani’s early decisions in his term as “deeply concerning.”

Scott Richman, the ADL’s regional director for New York and New Jersey, conveyed to the Post that while Mamdani seeks recognition for his stance against anti-Semitism, the policies and appointments he has made raise significant alarms.

“Although he presents himself as a proponent of the Jewish community, he has not taken sufficient action to safeguard Jews and has revoked critical protections against anti-Semitism,” Richman remarked.

Upon assuming office, Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, overturned an executive order from his predecessor, Eric Adams, which prohibited city officials from engaging in boycotts or divestments from Israel.

Furthermore, another order from the Adams administration that had adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism was also rescinded by Mamdani. Adams explained that this order aimed to combat what he described as the “demonization of Israel and the imposition of double standards” as modern forms of anti-Semitism.

Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, has publicly supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the country.

The ADL views the BDS movement as a form of anti-Semitism that undermines Israel’s legitimacy, the sole Jewish state. Their website states that many foundational goals of the BDS movement effectively deny the right of Jews to self-determination and could lead to the eradication of Israel.

Richman noted that Mamdani’s ties with the Jewish community could be strengthened if he were to endorse a bill recently passed by the City Council, enabling the NYPD to establish buffer zones near synagogues and other places of worship to restrict protests.

This initiative follows a brawl that occurred outside the Park East Synagogue on the Upper East Side last November.

“The ADL will keep pushing Mayor Mamdani to fulfill his commitment to represent all New Yorkers, including Jewish residents, starting with his support for the buffer zone legislation,” Richman added.

The skepticism among some within the Jewish community has also been fueled by the views of Mamdani’s wife, First Lady Rama Dowaj. Her opinions on Israel have raised further concerns.

As a professional illustrator, she supported the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialist Party of America, contributing artwork to their initiative “PalestineOnTheBallot.com.” Old social media posts have surfaced showing her approval of content praising Hamas’s actions against Israel on October 7, 2023, which seemed to endorse Palestinian militants while criticizing the U.S. military.

Additionally, Dowaj had illustrated work for an author who described Jews in a derogatory manner, according to previous reports.

Jewish leaders have urged Mamdani to be more cautious with his remarks about Israel, believing that such comments exacerbate anti-Semitic sentiments.

City Councilman Simcha Felder, representing various Orthodox neighborhoods, remarked, “His views on Israel are unacceptable and unintentionally contribute to anti-Semitism,” suggesting that many equate Judaism with Israel, thus affecting perceptions of Jews more broadly.

Felder urged Mamdani to refrain from acting like “the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations.”

A recent poll conducted by Marist College indicated that many Jewish residents disapproved of Mamdani’s performance in his initial 100 days. Only 38% held a favorable view of him, while 55% viewed him unfavorably—making them the only religious group to express discontent with his administration.

Brooklyn City Councilman Kalman Jaeger, who also represents areas with significant Jewish populations, assigned Mamdani an “F” grade for his treatment of Jewish constituents and his approach to anti-Semitism.

Jaeger criticized Mamdani, stating, “He continues to hire anti-Semites and gaslight the Jewish community while supporting Jews in public office. I doubt he’ll perform well.”

Another long-term Jewish activist in Queens suggested that both Mamdani and diverse factions of the Jewish community must learn to collaborate effectively. “The Jewish community is seeking pathways to work with the mayor. He needs to engage in meaningful dialogue with the broader Jewish community, not only a specific faction,” said Michael Nussbaum, who has been with the Jewish Community Relations Council for 25 years.

He acknowledged Mamdani’s contributions at the police department and recognized his efforts in establishing Queens’ first Holocaust memorial at Borough Hall, adding, “It’s a narrative that has yet to unfold when it comes to Mamdani and the Jewish community.”

Mamdani’s office did not respond promptly for comment, but he had previously asserted a commitment to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.