Are New York rabbis really 'beseeching' Mamdani?

A recent New York Times headline described rabbis as "beseeching" Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his rhetoric about Israel. Ten rabbis met with the mayor on August 10 at an office-arranged meeting to address concerns about his anti-Israel and anti-Zionist messaging and its effect on the safety of New York City's Jewish community.

According to the Times account, the rabbis' approach was described as "calm and respectful." They urged Mamdani to "soften his rhetoric" And add "complexity" To his messaging. Some affirmed his right to criticize Israel while asking for "more nuance." At least one rabbi requested he condemn Hamas more consistently and clarify that American Jews are not responsible for Israeli government actions.

One rabbi told him, "If instead of vilifying Israel, you spoke constructively, in measured tones - that would move the needle more than anything else." Another referenced his past statements on Islamophobia after September 11, saying he "could bring that same clarity to talking about the threats against the American Jewish community today." There was also a request that he "stop criticizing Israel and instead focus on local issues."

The meeting addressed a mayor's record that includes calling AIPAC "monsters," Branding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal," Refusing to condemn the chant "globalize the intifada," And stating in 2023: "When the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it's been laced by the IDF." He has promoted boycotts of Israel and campaigned on arresting Netanyahu if he visited New York City. He recently appointed an 18-member judicial screening committee with no Jewish members.

Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, characterized the meeting as "an open, positive and constructive conversation."