ADL Leader Criticizes Mamdani, But Misstates the Facts

Understanding the Debate Around Antisemitism and Jewish Safety

The ongoing discourse around antisemitism and Jewish safety has become a focal point in recent political debates, especially in New York City. As the mayoral race unfolds, various figures are scrutinized for their stances on issues that affect Jewish communities. One such figure is Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, whose positions have sparked significant discussion.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), recently criticized Mamdani during a TV appearance, accusing him of not fully condemning the slogan “globalize the Intifada.” Greenblatt also claimed that Mamdani had not visited any synagogues or Jewish institutions during his campaign. However, these claims have been contested by Mamdani’s team and supporters.

Mamdani has attended several Jewish events, including Shabbat services in Park Slope, participated in town halls with Jewish organizations, and engaged in candidate forums at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Despite this, Greenblatt insisted that Mamdani had not shown sufficient engagement with Jewish communities, pointing to his visits to other neighborhoods as evidence.

Mamdani, who is Muslim, has faced scrutiny over his critical views of Israel and his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Yet, he has made efforts to connect with Jewish voters, including a visit to an annual legislative breakfast in Flatbush, a neighborhood with a large Orthodox population.

A spokesperson for the ADL clarified that Greenblatt was referring to engagement after the primary, when voters have more choices. According to the spokesperson, Mamdani has not visited mainstream Jewish institutions since the primary ended. However, there were instances where Mamdani engaged with Yiddish-speaking communities, including an interview with a Yiddish-language newspaper and the circulation of pro-Mamdani posters in Borough Park.

Mamdani has also assembled a team of Jewish professionals for his campaign, further indicating his outreach to the community. He has reiterated his commitment to the safety of Jewish New Yorkers and expressed willingness to meet with Jewish leaders. A recent survey showed Mamdani leading in the general election with 37% of Jewish voters.

Despite this, Greenblatt remains skeptical of the poll results. He questioned whether Mamdani truly supports Jewish communities, noting that he has not met with mainstream Jewish leaders in public forums. Greenblatt suggested that Mamdani's past involvement with Students for Justice in Palestine and his sponsorship of legislation targeting Israeli settlements could be reasons for his reluctance to engage openly.

Mamdani has supported legislation that penalizes charities supporting Israeli settlements, which critics argue could impact Jewish organizations. While he has indicated a potential boycott of Israel if elected, he has not provided detailed plans. During a candidate forum, he stated that international law should guide city policies.

Despite criticism, Mamdani has received endorsements from several Jewish leaders, including Rep. Jerry Nadler and Ruth Messinger, a former Democratic mayoral nominee. These endorsements highlight the complex dynamics within the Jewish community regarding Mamdani’s candidacy.

Greenblatt has set conditions for meeting with Mamdani, insisting that any meeting must be public. He expressed concern about being used by Mamdani and questioned why the candidate has not condemned the “globalize the Intifada” slogan. Greenblatt argued that condemnation is essential, not just discouragement.

Mamdani has hedged on directly condemning the slogan, but he has said he would discourage its use after hearing from Jewish leaders affected by violence during the Second Intifada. The ADL emphasized the difference between strong condemnation and mere discouragement.

In recent months, Greenblatt has faced backlash for the ADL’s broad labeling of criticism of Israel as antisemitic. He has also drawn criticism for comparing pro-Palestinian student protesters to Islamist terrorists in remarks to Republican officials.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring Jewish safety and understanding the nuances of antisemitism in modern political discourse.