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Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz issued the following statement on Tuesday, in response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s unveiling of a municipal “Strategy to Combat Antisemitism”:
“New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ‘Strategy to Combat Antisemitism’ falls short in critical areas, including its failure to address when anti-Zionism crosses the line into antisemitism, one of the most prevalent forms of Jew-hatred today.”
“This is particularly troubling because, on his first day in office, Mayor Mamdani rescinded the city’s recognition of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and lifted a prohibition on municipal officials from engaging in boycotts of Israel.”
“Antisemitism does not stop being antisemitism simply because the word ‘Zionist’ is substituted for the word ‘Jew.’ Jewish identity is not solely religion-based. Jews are also a people, connected by a common ancestry, heritage, culture, and ancient relationship to the Land of Israel. When Jews are targeted because of their shared peoplehood, it just as much antisemitism as all other tropes or manifestations used to demonize and incite violence against them over the ages.”
“Any positive elements of Mayor Mamdani’s plan are undermined by this key omission. Ultimately, a serious strategy against antisemitism must give decision makers the tools and resources to identify it as Jewish New Yorkers actually experience it, and enact quick, effective, and consistent prevention and response measures.”
“These include the IHRA definition, substantive antisemitism training for city staff and law enforcement, organized emergency protocols, robust security apparatuses, protest-free buffer zones outside synagogues, and masking policies aimed at curbing unlawful conduct at demonstrations.”
“Since Day One, the Combat Antisemitism Movement has closely monitored Mayor Mamdani’s words and actions, and we will continue to do so. Mayor Mamdani and his administration have a responsibility to protect and serve New Yorkers of all backgrounds. A strategy against antisemitism can only be judged on whether it in fact makes Jewish life safer. By this standard, the mayor can and must do more.”
Read more:
Ahead of Netanyahu’s UN Visit, NYC Mayor Mamdani Once Again Calls for Israeli PM’s Arrest
Analysis: When Mamdani Says Netanyahu, He Means the Jews
NYC Mayor Mamdani Put ‘Bullseye on Jewish Community’ With Remarks Calling AIPAC ‘Monsters,’ CAM Says
