New project aims to observe policies affecting Jewish community safety
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced the creation of a special initiative to monitor the policies and appointments of New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani. The organization, which focuses on combating antisemitism, stated that the program seeks to “track actions that could impact the safety and well-being of the Jewish community” in the nation’s largest city.
Mamdani, the first Muslim and South Asian–descended individual elected to lead New York, has been vocal in his criticism of Israel and its actions in Gaza. His election has sparked mixed reactions among community leaders and political figures across the city.
Monitoring for community safety and transparency
The initiative, called the Mamdani Monitor, involves observing personnel decisions, public programs, and establishing a citywide hotline for reporting antisemitic incidents. According to the ADL, the purpose is not to encourage baseless claims but to identify verified cases of discrimination requiring appropriate response from authorities.
Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL’s national director and CEO, emphasized that the project seeks to ensure Mamdani fulfills his pledge to serve all New Yorkers, including Jewish residents. He noted that while some Jewish voters supported Mamdani, others remain concerned about his past remarks regarding Israel.
Political responses and public discussion
Mamdani stated that he takes antisemitism “extremely seriously” and that any organization is free to monitor his administration’s actions. However, he questioned the ADL’s impartiality, citing previous statements by Greenblatt that he claimed were inaccurate.
Greenblatt reiterated that the initiative is not linked to Mamdani’s ethnicity or faith and condemned any attacks on those grounds. He also acknowledged that this type of direct monitoring is rare for the ADL, but described the current context as one that requires heightened attention to potential community risks.
