New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a closed-door meeting with 10 rabbis representing various Jewish denominations in the city.
The hour-long meeting, organized by the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, focused on the safety of the city’s Jewish community, its integration into public life, and combating antisemitism.
Rabbis discussed Mamdani’s rhetoric on Israel
One of the key topics of the meeting was Mamdani’s statements regarding Israel. Rabbis told him that while the mayor attempts to separate criticism of the Israeli government from his attitude toward New York’s Jewish residents, his harsh rhetoric could affect the worsening atmosphere for the Jewish community in the city.
Rabbi Jonathan Leener of the liberal Orthodox Prospect Heights Shul congregation in Brooklyn stated that since October 7, 2023, hostile manifestations toward Israel have become part of daily life in the city in the form of graffiti, street rallies, and posters.
He said he does not expect a major shift in Mamdani’s stance on Israel, but that harsh statements influence the emergence of hostile attitudes toward New York’s Jewish communities.
Rabbis want increased police measures
Leener described the meeting as productive and meaningful. According to him, Mamdani listened to them attentively during the discussion and asked additional questions.
The rabbi suggested that the mayor strengthen ties with the Jewish community, increase NYPD presence near synagogues and other religious sites, and reduce the number of statements regarding Israel when discussing city matters.
However, another source familiar with the details of the meeting offered a more skeptical assessment of the talks.
According to the source, combating antisemitism should not be limited to meetings and dialogue, but should include law enforcement measures, arrests, prosecutions, and educational programs. According to the source, these issues were not discussed in detail during the meeting.
Majority of Jewish voters view Mamdani unfavorably
Concerns regarding relations between Mamdani and the city’s Jewish community were also reflected in a sociological poll.
According to a Siena College poll conducted August 3–6 among likely New York State voters, 66% of Jewish respondents expressed an unfavorable view of Mamdani, while 26% expressed a favorable view.
Source: israelhayom.com
