Attitude to Israel: New York rabbis call on Mamdani
New York rabbis held a closed meeting with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, stating that his criticism of Israel is unacceptable and exacerbates tensions amid rising antisemitism. Ten rabbis, including progressive leaders, emphasized that the mayor's remarks cross the line. Rabbi Jonathan Liner noted that the mayor's comments create an environment where Jews feel vulnerable, and Rick Jacobs pointed to a rare consensus on the harm of such statements.
New York rabbis held a closed meeting with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to express their displeasure with his constant criticism of Israel. According to the Jewish community, such statements exacerbate tensions amid a rise in antisemitic crimes in the city. Ten rabbis attended the meeting, including progressive leaders who had previously criticized Israeli policy themselves, but now agreed that the mayor's remarks cross the line. Rabbi Jonathan Liner told The New York Times that the mayor's comments have consequences and create an environment where many Jews feel vulnerable. Rick Jacobs, head of the Union for Reform Judaism, noted in a comment to The Forward a rare consensus among participants and stressed that constant vilification of Israel causes harm.