Mamdani presented a plan to combat antisemitism — and a scandal erupted

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented a 35-page plan to combat antisemitism, proposing an increase in the budget from $3 million to $29 million. The document sparked a scandal due to the absence of any mention of Israel, the war in Gaza, and antisemitic attacks amid pro-Palestinian protests. Critics, including lawmakers and Jewish organizations, pointed out this omission.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday presented a 35-page plan to combat antisemitism, aimed at reducing tensions between the city administration and the Jewish community. The document proposes increasing the budget for hate crime prevention from $3 million to $29 million annually, reinstating a security task force for synagogues and Jewish centers, and expanding Holocaust education in schools. However, the plan sparked a scandal due to the absence of any mention of Israel, the war in Gaza, and antisemitic attacks amid pro-Palestinian protests. Critics, including Republican and Democratic lawmakers as well as Jewish organizations, pointed out this omission. The release of the plan came after sharp criticism of Mamdani by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that since Mamdani's election, Jews in New York do not feel safe. Mamdani responded with accusations against Netanyahu. According to New York police data, the number of antisemitic crimes has increased by 9% since the beginning of the year.