CAM Honors Mayor Eric Adams in Tel Aviv for His Unwavering Support for Israel and the Jewish People

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) hosted a special gathering in Tel Aviv last night to honor outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams during his visit to Israel. The evening highlighted his long-standing support for the Jewish people, his willingness to speak out when others stayed silent, and the moral clarity that has defined his leadership.

Held at the Dubnov Gallery, the event came at a pivotal moment for New York as the city prepares for a new administration under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. In this climate, participants acknowledged Adams’ years of principled service, his steadfast commitment to combating antisemitism, and the legacy of solidarity he has built between New Yorkers and Israelis.

The gathering, organized in partnership with the Israel Trade and Innovation Network and the Ximus Forum, also underscored the enduring ties and shared democratic ideals that continue to strengthen the connection between the two communities.

As Mayor Adams entered the hall, attendees heard a powerful reminder of his voice at one of Israel’s darkest moments. His remarks from the days following the October 7 Hamas massacre played across the room and highlighted the strength of his stance when Jewish communities worldwide were grappling with the aftermath.

When the video concluded, CAM CEO Sacha Roytman opened the evening with a tribute to the mayor’s record of action.

He recalled first meeting Adams in 2022 during the Mayors’ Summit Against Antisemitism in Athens. “You led the United States Mayors’ Delegation,” Roytman noted. “You stood before leaders from across the globe and across the United States and said that mayors must act and must not allow antisemitism to rise in their cities.”

Roytman added that Adams’ early commitment helped expand CAM’s global network. “Today, thanks to your support, we are working with more than 1,500 cities across the world.”

He also reflected on the mayor’s work in New York City. Adams issued an executive order adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism; created the city’s first office dedicated to confronting antisemitism through legislation, education, and engagement; established a Jewish advisory council; and built the New York City Israel Economic Council. He also ensured consistent protection for Jewish life, from synagogues and schools to private gatherings and the Israel Day Parade.

“After October 7, when antisemitism surged, you were out in the streets standing with us,” Roytman said. “Your famous words—‘We are not alright’—still echo in our minds, because that is exactly how we feel when we see antisemitism rising and when we see who New York elected as its next mayor.”

Roytman also praised Adams’ ability to unite diverse communities. “Your voice brings people together—Jews and Muslims, African Americans, and so many others. The friendship between Jews and the Black community is essential. Together, we can push back against hatred and build a better world.”

He ended with a simple message of gratitude: “Mr. Mayor, thank you.”

A Candid Fireside Conversation on Leadership and the Urgency of This Moment

Following the opening remarks, Mayor Adams joined CAM CEO Sacha Roytman for a fireside chat that offered an unfiltered look at leadership, the challenges facing New York, and the global rise of antisemitism.

Reflecting on his tenure, Adams described the mayoralty as “a relay,” emphasizing the responsibility of passing on both successes and lessons learned. “You run your mile, and you pass the baton,” he said. He also expressed concern that the incoming administration does not grasp the urgency of healing a fractured city. “A lot of the work we started—especially the work of bringing the city together—I think we’re going to lose some ground on that. And that troubles me.”

He then turned to the symbolism of leadership. “Substance and symbolism go together,” he said. “Your words can translate into the actions of others. Even if you disagree, you must be a leader for everyone.” Adams warned that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s early signals, including silence on antisemitism, embolden extremists. “You cannot be slow to say you don’t embrace ‘globalize the intifada.’ That symbolism matters.”

A Stark Warning About New York’s Future Under Mayor-Elect Mamdani

When asked about antisemitism in New York, Adams did not soften his assessment. He described an alarming cultural shift in which hate has become socially rewarded. “It is now cool and hip to be antisemitic,” he said. He recalled a teenager in Brownsville calling him a Zionist and demanding Israel’s destruction—an ideology absorbed from social media, even though the boy could not identify Israel on a map.

The trend, Adams said, continues to accelerate on campuses, in public schools, and across digital platforms. “They hijacked our young people. Their plan was well executed. Now we need a professional plan to fight back.”

Adams urged Jewish New Yorkers to stay clear-eyed. “If I were a Jewish New Yorker, I would be concerned about my children,” he said. “People want to sugarcoat the moment. We cannot do that.” He reiterated that the “Free Palestine Movement was never about land. It was, and is, about the destruction and eradication of Jewish people.” He added that if the situation were reversed, the silence would not stand. “If this were happening to the African-American community, you would not be silent. So why are others silent now?”

Two years after his “We are not all right” speech, Adams was asked whether anything had changed. “No, we’re not all right,” he replied. “We’re far from it. We’re going in the wrong direction.” He called for a coordinated and strategic response led by Jewish organizations and allies. “We need a well-executed business plan to stop antisemitism. We need to regain our young people.”

The conversation ended on a personal note. Adams described the emotional and physical toll of his four years in office, with long days, constant crises, and relentless demands. Yet he also highlighted his ongoing commitment to New Yorkers. “I wake up, pray, meditate, drink my green smoothie, and face whatever the day brings,” he said with a smile. He spoke of wanting more time with his son and hinted at a future connected to Israel. “I’m ready to find my place here,” he joked. “Maybe I should start talking to real estate agents.”

As the evening concluded, CAM presented Mayor Adams with a menorah ahead of Hanukkah. It symbolized hope, renewal, and the enduring light shared between New Yorkers and Israelis. The gesture reflected both appreciation and determination—a reminder that Jewish resilience endures, even as New York braces for an administration in which keeping that light visible will require unwavering clarity and strength.