NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, under fire for criticism of Israel, unveils plan to battle antisemitism

Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News on Sep 29, 2026

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NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani, facing criticism over views on Israel seen as fostering antisemitism, is unveiling a plan that would expand educational efforts and beef up security at synagogues as part of a new “Strategy to Combat Antisemitism” report released by City Hall Tuesday.

The report’s release is slated to be accompanied by a video on social media outlining the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism’s efforts — which includes new funding streams, educational outreach like more school field trips to the Museum of Jewish Heritage and an allocation of $1 million towards extra security measures for synagogues and nonprofits.

“Our administration’s Strategy to Combat Antisemitism makes historic investments in securing Jewish cultural institutions and synagogues, increasing educational opportunities for young New Yorkers, and improving public awareness of Jewish history,” Mayor Mamdani said in a statement.

“Together, we will root out the scourge of rising antisemitism and build a city where Jewish New Yorkers are not only safe but celebrated.”

The issue of antisemitism has been fraught for the mayor. Mamdani’s vocal pro-Palestine stance is central to his political identity, but he’s faced intense criticism for his approach. He’s been outspoken against the Israeli government, including by calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he’s described as a “war criminal” and the architect of a genocide.

Some Jewish groups and leaders say his posture fuels the growing surge of antisemitism in New York.

In a “listening tour” ahead of the report’s release with rabbis and other Jewish community leaders, some asked the mayor to tone down his anti-Israel rhetoric, arguing it could lead to violence against Jews in the city, MOCA’s director, Phylisa Wisdom said at a briefing on the report.

She added that all Jewish New Yorkers, regardless of their political views, should expect protections from the city.

MOCA was first formed under Mayor Adams last year amid a rise in hate crimes against Jewish New Yorkers. The office was established despite the existence of a similar Office of Hate Crime Prevention that was formed in 2019, also in response to a rise in antisemitic hate crime incidents. The office has three staffers, including its director, Phylisa Wisdom, and works closely with that previously-existing office.

“Antisemitism is a complex and persistent form of hate, and it cannot be addressed through a single program or agency,” Wisdom said in a statement. “This Strategy brings the full power of City government to the work of preventing hate, supporting survivors, protecting Jewish institutions, educating New Yorkers and celebrating Jewish life.”

Antisemitic hate crimes make up a disproportionate percentage of hate crimes overall and have risen by 8% so far this year as compared to last year, per NYPD numbers.

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