After criticism of Israel: Mamdani presents a plan against anti-Semitism in New York

ap | New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat anti-Semitism in New York City. Plans include increased funding for synagogue security, a greater focus on Jewish history in the public school curriculum and a highlighting of important Jewish sites in the mayor's day-to-day business. The initiative's overall goal is to "confront the scourge of anti-Semitism now and in the future," Mamdani said on Tuesday.

Mamdani said only 12 percent of New York City residents are Jewish. But they are the victims of around half of the reported hate crimes in the city. “Not only is this unacceptable, this is something we all need to change,” he said in a video.

Critics have accused Mamdani, the metropolis' first Muslim mayor, of anti-Semitism. The democrat has long been committed to the rights of Palestinians. Mamdani has accused the Israeli government of genocide in the Gaza Strip and said his criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitism.

Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, said the mayor's stance on Israel had put Jewish New Yorkers in danger. “Unless you recognize that your rhetoric against the Jewish state, which you do not recognize as the homeland of the Jewish people, is the fundamental reason for the rise of anti-Semitism in New York City, it will continue to grow,” Akunis wrote on Platform X.

Mamdani came under fire during his 2025 election campaign after refusing to distance himself from the slogan “Globalize the Intifada.” He himself never used the slogan, which can be understood as a call for violence against Jews, and later said he would discourage others from uttering it. In addition, Mamdani stayed away from an annual parade in June in honor of Israel, which is actually considered a must for the city's politicians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Mamdani of spreading lies about Israel in a speech at the United Nations last week. He called Mamdani the “anti-Semitic mayor of New York.” Mamdani has repeatedly called for the arrest of Netanyahu, who has an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip.