The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) unveiled a new effort to scrutinize New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration, citing worries over his history of anti-Israel remarks and ties to individuals accused of antisemitism. The initiative includes a public tracker, an antisemitism hotline, and expanded research into city policies that could impact Jewish safety.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated the “Mamdani Monitor” and related measures were essential to “protect Jewish New Yorkers during a period of unprecedented antisemitism.” He highlighted Mamdani’s promotion of antisemitic narratives, associations with figures linked to antisemitism, and alleged hostility toward Israel. Greenblatt emphasized the ADL’s commitment to holding the mayor’s team accountable.
The move follows Mamdani’s election as mayor, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and BDS movement supporter, in a contentious race. The ADL cited 976 antisemitic incidents in New York City in 2024—the highest U.S. total—and noted that 54% of the city’s hate crimes last year targeted Jews. Jewish groups including the UJA-Federation of New York and the New York Solidarity Network also expressed alarm over Mamdani’s victory.
Mamdani faced criticism for endorsing the BDS campaign, which Greenblatt called “antisemitic,” and for refusing to affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. During his campaign, Mamdani labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and resisted condemning the slogan “globalize the intifada.” In his victory speech, he pledged support for Jewish New Yorkers, but critics dismissed the statement as hollow.
The ADL vowed to remain vigilant, with Greenblatt declaring, “We will be relentless and unyielding in our work to ensure the safety and security of all Jewish New Yorkers.”
