The New York mayoral race is heating up with candidates Brad Lander and Andrew Cuomo exchanging pointed critiques over each other's stance on antisemitism and Israel. Amidst a backdrop of rising antisemitic hate crimes, Lander, currently serving as city comptroller and the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in NYC, differentiates himself with a passionate defense of his Jewish heritage and a critique of those, including Cuomo, whom he accuses of using Jewish voters' concerns as political tools, Gothamist reports.
In a recent address at the West Side Institutional Synagogue, Lander, who identifies as a liberal Zionist, stated, "Somehow, we Jews have become political pawns for politicians trying to score political points," stating that anti-Zionist views should not be equated with antisemitism—though the ongoing conflict has become a prominent issue in the mayoral race. Cuomo, seen as a front-runner, and his alignment with Orthodox and conservative Jewish voters, seem to be in sharp contrast with Lander who opposes Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and acknowledgment that some responses to pro-Palestinian activism can veer into the realm of antisemitism.
On the opposing side, Cuomo, through a campaign spokesperson, highlighted his track record of strong hate crime laws in New York and support for Israel, accusing Lander of being a member of the anti-Israel movement and emphasizing Cuomo's experience as the right choice for New York’s future, according to the New York Post. In response, Lander referenced his personal background in faith and activism, noting his near pursuit of a rabbinical path and longstanding involvement with Jewish values and social justice efforts.
Lander expanded his criticism of Cuomo's approach, alleging that Cuomo has used antisemitism as a political tool for personal benefit. He referenced prior controversies during Cuomo’s administration, including actions perceived as discriminatory toward Jewish communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and a campaign mailer that falsely accused a political opponent of antisemitism, "Andrew Cuomo, who has been sued for antisemitic discrimination and caught using anti-Jewish slurs, came to this very shul and tried to weaponize antisemitism against me, the highest-ranking Jew in New York City government, for his own political gain — right out of the Donald Trump playbook," Lander told the New York Post.
In addition to being a political contest, the campaign reflects broader discussions within the Jewish community and the general public concerning religious freedom, social justice, and foreign policy. The relationship between support for Israel and progressive political positions has become a subject of debate, presenting candidates with issues to address as they compete in the upcoming mayoral election.
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