Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now a mayoral candidate for New York City, has taken residence in a Midtown East luxury apartment on East 54th Street, which costs $8,242 a month. His move has sparked criticism from rivals who tag him as a newcomer trying to solve problems he contributed to during his tenure as governor, Gothamist reports.
Moreover, controversial photos of Cuomo with the late Yasser Arafat, former Palestine Liberation Organization leader, have resurfaced. Taken in 2000 during a three-day trip to Israel when Cuomo was the secretary for Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, these images are drawing attention in light of his mayoral bid, the New York Post uncovered. Critics suggest these meetings contradict his role as a supporter of Israel and, as the Jewish activist Dov Hikind put it, being seen with a "pure, unadulterated terrorist" like Arafat is unacceptable.
The apartment's hefty rent and Cuomo's residence there have been confirmed by Rich Azzopardi, the former governor's spokesperson, who stated that Cuomo has been living there at least part-time for over a year. The building boasts amenities that suit Cuomo's lifestyle, including a place to house his muscle cars. Despite the luxury living, many of Cuomo's neighbors have expressed surprise at his presence in the building, with a retired nursery school teacher, Cheryl Schwartz, telling Gothamist that she's seen Cuomo only a couple of times.
On the flip side, Cuomo's campaign defends his past encounters with controversial figures like Arafat, indicating that his actions were in line with the Clinton administration's peace efforts between Israel and Gaza. “There has been no greater ally and supporter of the Jewish people and Israel than Andrew Cuomo. As the New York Post knows, because they covered this same story 25 years ago when it occurred,” Azzopardi said in the wake of the circulating photos with Arafat. Meanwhile, his campaign accuses his Democratic opponents of playing to the anti-Israel left or supporting the controversial BDS movement, arguments which, can attract certain voters looking for strong leadership in combating rising antisemitism and supporting Israel, as cited by Matthew Schweber of the Columbia University Jewish Alumni Association in a statement obtained by the New York Post.
Cuomo's mayoral aspirations and ongoing residency in New York City remain under scrutiny, with the Democratic primary promising to be heated as rivals and voters alike weigh his promise against his past actions. While some residents like Heidi Cohen, an Oriana resident and registered Democrat, may be open to his candidacy, especially in light of the recent indictment of current Mayor Eric Adams, they are still making up their minds as the June primary approaches. Cohen told Gothamist that she has seen Cuomo in the elevator but not since the launch of his mayoral campaign, as he "doesn’t really chat with anybody."
