NYC Mayor Adams Confronted by Pro-Israel Activist in Brooklyn Jewish Store

New York City Mayor Eric Adams faced a public confrontation during a visit to Eichler's Judaica store in Borough Park, Brooklyn, on Wednesday. Stephanie Ben-Shimol, a Haredi blogger and pro-Israel activist, confronted Adams, accusing him of fueling antisemitism and expressing hostility towards Israel.

Ben-Shimol, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust, directly addressed the mayor, stating, "Remember how last year Trump redeemed the captives? The fact that there is so much antisemitism, it's all because of you." She questioned his presence in a Jewish store before the High Holidays, calling it "audacious" and urging him to "stop the antisemitism" and "stop it." She pleaded with him as the "granddaughter of Holocaust survivors."

Further criticizing Adams' stance on Israel, Ben-Shimol asserted, "All you do is focus on Israel and bring more hatred to the Jewish people." She claimed his sole objective was to "stop Benjamin Netanyahu" and noted his failure to participate in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade, breaking a mayoral tradition. Ben-Shimol described the rising antisemitism in the city, where Jews reportedly fear walking in the streets, have their hats and kippahs stolen, and are subjected to stabbings.

When other customers questioned Ben-Shimol's actions, she defended her stance and asked if they believed the mayor's visit would foster goodwill. She accused an organizer attempting to silence her of being a "kapo" and a supporter of Adams. Even after being escorted from the store, Ben-Shimol continued her protests outside, distributing Israeli flags and calling Adams "the greatest antisemite."

The encounter was filmed by Ben-Shimol and posted on her Instagram account, where it gained significant traction and support from her followers. Mayor Adams remained silent throughout the confrontation and did not respond to her accusations.