UPDATE: A coalition of Jewish organizations has urgently condemned the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its newly announced “Mamdani Monitor,” labeling it as a “blatant Islamophobic” attack against New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani. The backlash follows the ADL’s decision to track and monitor policies of Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, raising concerns about the implications for community relations.
In a powerful letter, the coalition stated, “NYC Jewish communities repudiate the ADL’s blatant Islamophobia. You won’t divide us from our neighbors.” They expressed their support for Mamdani’s vision of a city free from hate violence, emphasizing unity among diverse communities.
The ADL’s announcement, made shortly after Mamdani’s election victory on November 7, 2023, included plans for a tip line aimed at reporting antisemitic incidents across New York. According to ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, this initiative is a “hyper-focused resource for New Yorkers” to report such incidents. Critics, however, argue this move unfairly singles out Mamdani and undermines his commitment to serving all New Yorkers.
The signatories of the condemnation letter include prominent groups such as Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, IfNotNow, and J Street NYC. They collectively rejected the ADL’s claim of representing the entire Jewish community, stating, “Regardless of how we voted… we stand firmly against the Islamophobic and racist attacks.”
Mamdani has previously criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 69,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed amid ongoing conflict. His campaign, which included outreach to Jewish communities, received endorsements from various Jewish organizations. During his election speech, he vowed to combat antisemitism, illustrating his commitment to fostering harmony.
The ADL’s monitoring initiative has faced significant backlash, with many accusing the organization of conflating legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism. Former Human Rights Watch head Kenneth Roth condemned the ADL’s actions on social media, questioning the necessity of special monitoring for Mamdani based on his Muslim identity and criticisms of Israel.
In response to the backlash, Greenblatt released a video defending the Mamdani Monitor, promising it would also highlight positive developments from Mamdani’s administration that contribute to the safety of Jewish New Yorkers. He stated, “If the new administration does great things to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe… we will share that.”
As this situation unfolds, the coalition of Jewish groups continues to pledge their support for Mamdani, emphasizing the importance of solidarity against divisive narratives. “Together, we can help build a city grounded in justice, dignity, and care for every New Yorker,” they asserted.
The implications of this conflict extend beyond local politics, touching on broader themes of community relations, identity, and the ongoing discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine. As the ADL and Mamdani prepare for the challenges ahead, the eyes of New Yorkers—and indeed the world—remain keenly focused on how this dynamic will evolve.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story.
