New York Rabbis Confront Mayor Adams Over Antisemitism and Israel Criticism

As antisemitism rises in New York, a group of local rabbis recently held a tense closed-door meeting with Mayor Eric Adams. The rabbis expressed sharp criticism, with one, Rabbi Rachel Timoner of Brooklyn's "House of God" community, telling Adams, "You are 90 percent of the problem." The meeting revealed a range of opinions among the Jewish leaders: some urged the mayor to soften his rhetoric, others demanded he stop criticizing Israel and focus on local issues, while some supported his right to critique but insisted it be done sensitively, with clear condemnation of Hamas and recognition that American Jews are not responsible for Israeli government actions.

Despite differing views, all attendees agreed that Adams' strained relationship with the Jewish community, which has seen many conflicts since he took office, must improve. Rabbi Yonatan Liner, a leader of a modern Orthodox community in Brooklyn, highlighted the "elephant in the room," warning that Adams' comments have real consequences, raising tensions and making many Jews feel vulnerable in the current climate.

Mayor Adams, a Muslim and the first of his faith to lead New York City, has roots in pro-Palestinian activism. As a student, he founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and campaigned for academic boycotts of Israel. This background adds complexity to his interactions with the city's Jewish population amid growing concerns about antisemitism.