One of the leading national organizations advocating for Jewish interests recently made headlines with its comments on the New York City mayoral primary. The group expressed strong support for Andrew Cuomo while condemning his opponents, Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani, labeling them as supporters of what it termed the “antisemitic, anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America.”
The American Jewish Congress (AJC), a non-partisan organization established in 1918 focused on Jewish advocacy, is known for its efforts to keep the Jewish community informed about political matters. In a letter to its supporters, the AJC emphasized the importance of the mayoral race for New York City, given its significant Jewish population, and highlighted Cuomo’s new candidacy.
In the communication from the AJC, praise for Cuomo was unmistakable. The group noted his announced candidacy and reaffirmed his longstanding dedication to fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel. “Governor Cuomo’s commitment to safeguarding Jewish communities and addressing hatred is a vital part of his platform,” the organization stated.
The AJC emphasized Cuomo’s firm stance against racism and antisemitism, underscoring the necessity for strong legal measures to protect Jewish New Yorkers. They also acknowledged Mayor Eric Adams as a vocal advocate against antisemitism, which establishes a contrast with several of his Democratic primary challengers.
The group criticized Lander and Mamdani for what they perceive as a downplaying of the need to combat antisemitism and a negative stance towards Israel. Their critique pointed out that Lander, who is Jewish, and Mamdani, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, have associations that raise concerns about their commitment to the Jewish community.
In the crowded mayoral race, Cuomo, Lander, Mamdani, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams are all vying for the position. The AJC’s focus remained prominently on Cuomo, leading them to suggest that his candidacy would foster necessary discussions on actionable ways to confront growing threats against Jewish communities.
While the AJC’s statement did not delve into Cuomo’s controversial past, including his resignation amid allegations of misconduct in 2021, the praise for his potential leadership drew skepticism from some observers. A local Jewish activist, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the AJC’s comments as bordering on partisan, challenging the organization’s claim of being non-partisan.
“It certainly feels more partisan than impartial,” the activist remarked. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among some members of the community regarding the role of advocacy organizations in partisan politics.
Interestingly, the AJC did not mention Scott Stringer, another Jewish candidate, raising further questions regarding their list of supporters and opponents.
Historically, the AJC has been at the forefront of advocating for Jewish rights and interests, counting among its founders notable figures like Albert Einstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. The organization has had a rich history of activism, including involvement in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and more recently, it continues to focus on significant contemporary issues facing Jewish communities.
Current leadership of the AJC is represented by President David Rosen, a businessman with real estate interests, and Chair Jack Rosen, who has maintained relationships with multiple presidential administrations across party lines.
In response to the AJC’s stance, Lander’s campaign dismissed the criticisms, insinuating that Cuomo was attempting to manipulate the organization for political gain. They pointed out that the AJC has backed candidates like Donald Trump in the past, which arguably affects their credibility.
Mamdani’s campaign did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment.
As this contested mayoral race unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the candidates navigate the charged atmosphere regarding Jewish community concerns, antisemitism, and the policies related to Israel that play a critical role in New York’s political landscape. The outcome will not only shape the future leadership of the city but could also have lasting implications for how the Jewish community’s interests are represented and prioritized at City Hall.
