Zohran Mamdani has already made history as New York City’s first Muslim and openly pro-Palestinian mayor. His election has ignited discussions on various socio-political issues, particularly regarding his views on Israel and the ongoing antisemitism discourse. The controversial nature of Mamdani’s campaign, coupled with the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) new monitoring initiative, has drawn sharp criticism from some quarters.
The ADL, somewhat unsurprisingly, just recently deployed a similar project intending to keep tabs on Mamdani’s administration. This initiative includes a “dedicated New York City citywide antisemitism tipline” and a public-facing “Mamdani Monitor.” The group was previously treated as an unquestionable leading authority on tracking antisemitic incidents. It has recently received criticism about its credibility after deleting an online extremist glossary that tagged far-right figures as extremists, after being pressured by right-wing influencers including Elon Musk.
Jonathan Jacoby, director of the Nexus Project, voiced grave concerns over the ADL’s method to create the ADL. He characterized the reaction to Mamdani’s election as “divisive, hyperbolic, and aggressive,” warning that it risks deepening the civic conflict that is already present.
In concert with his outspoken criticism of Israeli policies, Mamdani’s intervention has been central to the fight to shift his political terrain. Given all that, the ADL spokesperson admitted it was crucial to keep a close eye on Mamdani. His past connections and animus toward the Jewish state make this a grave concern. This apprehension is indicative of a larger unease among Jewish elite about the potential consequences of a Mamdani administration on intra-city community relations.
Amidst this tension, Mamdani was still able to win around a third of the Jewish vote, per exit polls. This outcome reflects a fraught engagement with Jewish constituents. As local rabbi Elliot Cosgrove’s decline to debate Mamdani showed, Jewish leaders’ faith in their relationships with Mamdani has worn dangerously thin.
In reaction to the ADL’s new monitoring initiative, Mamdani said, “Anyone is welcome to create a list of our administration’s wrongdoing. And he reiterated his promise to operate transparently and to keep the door open for conversation as the critics continue to line up.
Jacoby emphasized the hypocrisy of many of these institutions as they started to write and condemn white nationalism, all while targeting Mamdani’s candidacy. He further cautioned that this kind of imbalance can serve to blind both sides to the bigger picture of what is happening.
“Some organizations have been inconsistent in their criticism and the alarm that they ought to be expressing about white nationalism.” – Zohran Mamdani
The ADL’s national director, Jonathan Greenblatt, recently expressed alarm about Mamdani’s ties to people who peddle classic antisemitic canards. He went on to say that Mamdani displays nearly unfettered hatred for the Jewish nation. This position is contrary to the position of the virtually unanimous Jewish New Yorkers. This viewpoint has focused attention on a bigger divide between some Jewish communities and Mamdani’s administration.
Stop Antisemitism jumped into the fray by issuing a plainly-worded rebuttal. They further argued that anyone who believes they can have a good faith engagement with Mamdani is “a fool.” These types of comments signal the worst, racist fear of what new policies may come should Mamdani come to power.
In responding to these criticisms, Mamdani smiled at the earlier falsehoods spread by Greenblatt about his synagogue visits. He expressed doubts about Greenblatt’s ability to conduct an honest assessment of his administration, reflecting ongoing distrust between the two parties.
“I have some doubts about Jonathan [Greenblatt]’s ability to do so honestly, given that he previously said I had not visited any synagogues, only to have to correct himself.” – Zohran Mamdani
The political climate in New York City has never seemed more toxic. Jacoby emphasized that there are people inside these extremist circles looking to exploit these divisions for their own agendas. He cautioned that the instrumentalization of antisemitism in that way risks creating more division among different communities.
“The instrumentalizers of antisemitism are cheering on the divisions being created in New York City because that’s their goal: divide people, divide Jews from each other.” – Jonathan Jacoby