Mayor Zohran Mamdani rolled out a new initiative Tuesday aimed at combating antisemitism, announcing it through a two-minute video rather than a live press conference that would have allowed reporters to ask follow-up questions.
The plan includes new funding for what the administration is calling “hate-crime prevention” efforts and money to help pay for security upgrades at religious centers across the city.
The announcement did not include a specific definition of antisemitism or address whether anti-Zionist rhetoric would fall under the initiative’s scope.
State Sen. Liz Krueger responded to the rollout by saying the mayor needs to “make clear through words and actions” that all Jews, including Zionists, deserve protection against “threats, harassment or violence.”
The video comes after two earlier moves by the Mamdani administration that drew criticism from some Jewish community members: rescinding an executive order signed by former Mayor Eric Adams that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, and lifting a prohibition on city agencies and personnel participating in boycotts of Israel.
Mamdani has previously expressed support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement targeting Israel.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, who a year ago publicly stated that anti-Zionism — denying Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland — constitutes antisemitism, has not commented on Mamdani’s new plan. Schumer has recently directed Democratic campaign funds toward Abdul El-Sayed’s U.S. Senate bid in Michigan.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login