A group of rabbis met on Monday to urge New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani to moderate his criticisms of Israel, emphasizing the need for the safety of the city’s Jewish community. The hour-long discussion, facilitated by the Mayor’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism, aimed to address concerns that Mamdani’s statements were exacerbating divisions in a city already facing escalating anti-Semitic hate crimes, as reported by New York Times.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, who leads the North American Reform movement, recounted telling Mamdani, “I’m willing to collaborate with your administration, but a lot of what could change here is you.” He suggested that if the Mayor could adopt a more constructive and subdued tone when discussing Israel, it would resonate more positively than his current approach.
Recently, Mamdani, noted as the city’s first Muslim mayor, referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” raising alarms among some Jewish residents about the potential to fuel anti-Semitism.
Rabbi Rachel Timoner from Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn noted there was a diverse range of opinions in the meeting, with some urging Mamdani to ease his rhetoric while others suggested he redirect his focus from Israel to local issues.
Some participants supported his right to criticize Israeli leadership but called for greater nuance in his statements, particularly highlighting the importance of condemning Hamas and clarifying that American Jews shouldn’t be blamed for the actions of the Israeli government.
Despite differing views, there was a consensus among the rabbis that Mamdani’s relationship with the Jewish community needed improvement, as one rabbi shared anonymously. Rabbi Jonathan Lehner, leader of Prospect Heights Shul, emphasized that Mamdani’s comments have undeniable repercussions and that he should be mindful of the heightened climate of vulnerability that many Jews feel.
Timoner, whose congregants include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, remarked that for Mamdani to advocate for Palestinians while criticizing Israel, he must convey more complexity in his remarks. She pointed out that while the community cannot influence Israeli politics directly, they often find themselves facing backlash due to frustrations directed at the Israeli government.
The gathering featured a mix of Modern Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform rabbis, and one noted that Mamdani seemed receptive to their feedback. Phyllisa Wisdom, executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism, described the meeting as an “open, positive and constructive conversation.”
Wisdom reassured that Mayor Mamdani is committed to engaging with New York City’s Jewish community to support and ensure its well-being. Rabbi Lehner, while not there to alter Mamdani’s perspective, advocated for increased police resources to enhance safety for Jewish voters and protect synagogues from potential threats, suggesting that the Mayor focus on local safety rather than unnecessary comments on international conflicts.
