Mamdani fans flames of antisemitism by pairing false allyship with anti-Israel rhetoric

The editorial slams New York City Mayor Eric Adams's administration for a perceived pattern of hypocrisy regarding antisemitism. It argues that officials, including the mayor, condemn antisemitic attacks only after they occur, while simultaneously engaging in rhetoric that allegedly fuels such incidents.

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I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city. Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence. This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.

The piece highlights the case of Larry Montes, who disrupted services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, yelling antisemitic tropes. Mayor Adams's swift condemnation and promise to protect Jewish New Yorkers are presented as "crocodile tears" by the editorial, which accuses him of ignoring the connection between his own anti-Israel statements and the rise in antisemitism.

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue and other New York rabbis had previously warned Mayor Adams about the consequences of his rhetoric. They urged him to refrain from statements that "demonize Jews and the Jewish state," arguing that such language creates a climate where threats and violence flourish. The editorial supports this view, suggesting that framing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict simplistically endangers the Jewish community.

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demonizes Jews and the Jewish state

The editorial concludes that the cycle of anti-Israel rhetoric followed by condemnation of antisemitic attacks is a "duplicitous trickery" and "cynical manipulation." It implies that officials like Adams are unwilling to acknowledge the cause-and-effect relationship, preferring to offer superficial condemnations rather than addressing the root causes of the escalating tensions.

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I told the mayor directly, the way you continue to talk about Israel endangers the Jewish community at large. If, instead of vilifying Israel, you spoke constructively, in measured tones, that would move the needle more than anything else, and I’m hopeful you’ll use that power.