Chabad Activist in Crown Heights Receives Death Threats After Criticizing NYC Mayor
A prominent Chabad community activist in Crown Heights, New York, Rabbi Yaakov Berman, has received explicit death threats following his public call for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to moderate his divisive rhetoric. Berman, founder of the Jewish Future Alliance (JFA), urged the mayor to tone down inflammatory statements that he believes fuel a dangerous climate of antisemitism in the city, which has seen a surge in attacks against Jews.
Berman's remarks sparked backlash from progressive and anti-Israel activists online, culminating in a harsh and provocative segment on the popular progressive U.S. podcast "The Young Turks." The hosts mocked Berman's concerns about safety, accused him of dishonesty, and labeled him and his associates as corrupt bullies who bribe politicians and support violence against Palestinians. This televised attack, which included classic antisemitic tropes about Jewish money and political control, quickly escalated into real-world threats.
Within hours, Berman received a hateful email in both his personal and organizational inboxes containing antisemitic language and calls for the murder of Jews. He publicly shared the threatening message on his social media, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The tensions stem from recent remarks by Mayor Adams at a political rally, where he sharply criticized the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC, calling it and similar organizations "monsters" allegedly using "dark money" to influence elections. Despite the mayor's later clarification that he was quoting philosopher Antonio Gramsci and referring broadly to political action committees, the Jewish community rejected the explanation.
Over 700 rabbis and community leaders signed a public letter demanding an apology from the mayor, warning that dehumanizing language against a Jewish organization could incite violence. Berman, who maintains working relations with the mayor's office and the NYPD, confirmed ongoing investigations into the threats. He stated unequivocally that he stands by his statements and will not be silenced by intimidation or harassment, continuing to advocate proudly for the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in New York.
Summary: Rabbi Yaakov Berman, a Chabad activist in Crown Heights, received death threats after publicly urging NYC Mayor Eric Adams to moderate his rhetoric amid rising antisemitism. Following a hostile segment on "The Young Turks," Berman was targeted with hateful emails. The controversy follows Adams' critical remarks about AIPAC, sparking demands for an apology from Jewish leaders. Berman remains resolute and is cooperating with authorities investigating the threats.
