Zohran Mamdani unveiled a plan to fight antisemitism in New York City. He called it the first city plan of its kind. The announcement sparked immediate anger from Jewish leaders. They say the plan hides the real source of hate. These leaders believe it distracts from the mayor’s own words. They argue it ignores the demonization of Israel.
The mayor used police data to support his decision. Jews make up 12 percent of the city’s people. Yet antisemitic crimes are over half of all hate crimes. Mamdani said Jewish residents should feel valued. He promised City Hall would lead the change. His office is adding $26 million to fight hate. This is more than 800 percent more than last year.
The plan gives $6.4 million to community groups. It restarts a security program stopped in 2024. The city also pledged $2 million for a memorial in Queens. Another $2.5 million goes to a culture center in Brooklyn. Education and reporting tools are part of the deal. But how the money is split has raised doubts.
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz criticized the budget breakdown. Only $1 million is set aside for direct security. Millions more go to community projects instead. Steinmetz called this pure pork barrel politics. He told Fox News Digital it rewards the mayor’s allies. He argued that physical safety alone cannot fix the issue.
Three other prominent rabbis shared a deeper worry. None of them were asked for input on the plan. This is true even though they lead large congregations. They asked who decided where the funds would go. The mayor’s office did not answer these questions. The plan admits antisemitism rose after October 7. But it does not address hate on college campuses. It also fails to examine when anti-Israel views turn into harassment.
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch said the plan misses the main point. He identified intense hatred of Israel as the key driver. He said this hostility targets Israel’s right to exist. Hirsch stated that a 30-page report ignoring Israel is evasive. He argued the city must link anti-Zionism and antisemitism. He liked the security funds but said they act like a tax.
Steinmetz said the mayor uses the plan to dodge blame. He described Mamdani’s rhetoric as reckless and dangerous. He noted that statistics miss the daily insults Jews face. He said Jews feel they must hide their identity. The strategy focuses on buildings and school programs. It leaves the political roots of the hate untouched.