When New York City mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of a “Jewish Advisory Council,” created in large part to combat antisemitism, the New York Times was quick to point out that its composition was “dominated” by Orthodox Jews.
Of course, it makes complete sense that Orthodox Jews should play a large role in combating antisemitism in NYC: They were the victims in 94 percent of the 194 antisemitic assaults reported between 2018 and 2022.
Nonetheless, certain city politicians seem quite disturbed about the Orthodox community advocating for itself, so much so that they wrote yesterday to Mayor Adams concerned that “the composition of the council does not reflect the diversity of the Jewish community.” They complain further that “the council appears to have no self-identified members of color or LGBTQ members.”
Granted, they do at least endorse the purpose of the council, noting that “we are in a precarious time for the Jewish community in New York City and around the country. Hate crimes and hate speech are on the rise, and some political leaders even openly welcome support from avowed antisemites.”
Surely, though, not one signee of the letter would ever “welcome” political support from an antisemite like Linda Sarsour . . .
#JFREJ member @bradlander standing with our sister @lsarsour during #IftarInTheStreets!
To our Muslim siblings, from one NYC faith community to another: your Jewish family has your back! pic.twitter.com/UghLZfFHTU
— Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (@JFREJNYC) May 23, 2018