Over 25 NYC Jewish groups demand new antisemitism plan to address hatred against Jews and Israel

A coalition of more than 25 New York City-based Jewish community groups has criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new plan to combat antisemitism, arguing that it deliberately omits the issue of hatred directed at Jews and Israel. The groups, which include the New York City Public School Alliance and Bridgebuilders Grassroots Coalition, condemned the 33-page blueprint as “dangerously short” for failing to address the most pressing threats Jewish New Yorkers face: anti-Jewish harassment and violence disguised as anti-Israel activism.

The report, unveiled by the mayor’s office, outlines a $29 million annual investment in hate crime prevention, a $3 million increase from previous years. This includes enhanced security measures at synagogues and Jewish cultural centers. However, the document makes only a single reference to Israel, noting that New York is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, and entirely omits any mention of Zionism.

The Jewish groups argue that the report’s failure to define antisemitism or address anti-Zionist hatred is a critical oversight. “The Mayor’s report explicitly declines to adopt a definition of antisemitism and provides little concrete guidance for perhaps the hardest and most pertinent questions institutions are confronting,” the coalition stated. They emphasized that without acknowledging the root causes of antisemitism, any strategy to combat it remains incomplete.

The coalition’s letter to Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, called for a revised plan that recognizes the contemporary experience of antisemitism. “How can we solve a problem if we refuse to even acknowledge the cause?” they asked. “A strategy to combat antisemitism in New York City must address antisemitism as Jewish New Yorkers are experiencing it today and must not deny their ability to identify and define the hate they encounter.”

Ramon Maislen, co-founder of Bridgebuilders Grassroots Coalition, expressed willingness to engage with the mayor’s office, stating that the groups would welcome a meeting to discuss their concerns and recommendations. This reflects a broader call for more inclusive and comprehensive approaches to addressing antisemitism in the city.

Reports of antisemitism are on the rise in New York City, yet critics argue that the mayor’s plan does not adequately confront the most significant threats. The omission of Zionism and a clear definition of antisemitism has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish community leaders, who insist that any effective strategy must address the full scope of the issue. As the debate continues, the need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to combating hatred remains a pressing concern.

Source: Read the original report