New York Rabbis Urge Mayor Adams to Moderate Israel Remarks Amid Jewish Community Concerns

A group of prominent rabbis from New York met privately with Mayor Eric Adams on Monday to urge him to reconsider his public statements about Israel, warning that his comments contribute to a climate where many Jewish residents feel increasingly vulnerable. The hour-long meeting, organized by the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, included 10 rabbis representing Reform, Conservative, and Modern Orthodox streams. The rabbis described the discussion as candid and respectful.

According to The New York Times, the rabbis did not present a unified political stance on Israel. Some called on Adams to tone down his criticism, while others preferred he avoid focusing on Israel altogether and concentrate on issues within his jurisdiction as mayor. Others defended his right to criticize Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but urged a more balanced approach, including consistent condemnation of Hamas and clarifying that American Jews should not be held responsible for the Israeli government's actions.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, told Adams that the mayor has significant influence to change the atmosphere. "If instead of vilifying Israel, you spoke constructively and in measured tones, it would change the situation more than anything else," Jacobs said. Despite differing views, the rabbis agreed that Adams's relationship with the Jewish community needs to improve, given his history of tense interactions since taking office as New York's first Muslim mayor and a vocal critic of Israel.

The meeting followed Adams's recent speech condemning Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and his admission that New York law prevents him from fulfilling his campaign promise to arrest Netanyahu during his upcoming visit for the UN General Assembly. Some Jewish New Yorkers, including critics of Netanyahu's government, fear Adams's rhetoric could fuel hostility toward Jews in the city.

Rabbi Rachel Timoner of Brooklyn's "House of God" community emphasized the need for Adams to distinguish between criticism of Israel and attitudes toward American Jews. Several rabbis noted Adams listened attentively and appreciated their frankness. Philisa Wiseman, CEO of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, described the meeting as "open, positive, and constructive." Adams reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Jewish life across all five boroughs.

Rabbi Jonathan Liner, a self-described Zionist with family in Israel, said he attended not to change Adams's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but to stress the mayor's focus should be on protecting New York's Jewish population, including allocating more police resources to synagogues and Jewish institutions. "That should be his priority, not making unnecessary remarks about the conflict," Liner said, urging a more nuanced approach rather than framing it as a simple battle of good versus evil.