NYC Jewish Leaders Criticize Mayor's Antisemitism Plan for Ignoring Israel Link

Jewish leaders and rabbis in New York City have sharply criticized Mayor Eric Adams' new strategy to combat antisemitism, arguing that it fails to address the connection between anti-Israel rhetoric and attacks on Jewish residents, as well as the mayor's own role in fueling such hostility. The criticism, reported by Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), centers on the mayor's $26 million plan, unveiled on September 29, which includes increased security for synagogues and Jewish institutions, expanded Holocaust education, and hate crime prevention. However, the program notably lacks a formal definition of antisemitism. This comes after Mayor Adams rescinded his predecessor's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and a directive prohibiting city employees from boycotting or divesting from Israel.

According to city data, confirmed hate crimes in New York City rose 16% in the first eight months of 2026, with nearly half targeting Jews, who constitute about 10% of the city's population. A joint statement from prominent Jewish organizations, including the UJA-New York Jewish Federation and the New York Board of Rabbis, acknowledged the plan's positive security and project funding measures. However, they contended that the mayor sidestepped the core issue, stating, "Rhetoric that demonizes Israel and denies its legitimacy inevitably leads to New York's Jews being targeted." They emphasized that genuine efforts to fight antisemitism must unequivocally reject such rhetoric.

Senior Rabbi Amiel Hirsch of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue called the plan "a profound disappointment" and stated it "is not worthy of the mayor." He argued that by ignoring the link between hostility towards Israel and rising antisemitism, and by extension the mayor's role in promoting it, the program "will not stop or even slow the surge in antisemitism." Rabbi Mark Goldfeder of the National Jewish Advocacy Center accused Adams of repackaging former Mayor Eric Adams' previous plan, removing only the sections concerning Israel, calling it an attempt to "buy values with money."

Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis also joined the criticism, urging the mayor to reinstate the IHRA definition and condemn slogans like "From the river to the sea" and "Globalize the Intifada." He called for recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization and condemnation of the October 7th massacre. Conversely, Nancy Kaufman, chair of the progressive organization New York Jewish Agenda, supported the plan, stating it focuses on "Jewish life in New York, not Israel," and believes it sets the right tone for ensuring community safety.