NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of Phylisa Wisdom to lead the city’s Office to Combat Antisemitism has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish leaders, who question her record and ability to address rising antisemitic incidents.

Wisdom, who previously led the progressive advocacy group New York Jewish Agenda, has been critical of Israel and opposed certain practices in Orthodox Jewish education. Her past work with YAFFED (Young Advocates for Fair Education), which advocates increased oversight of Hasidic and haredi yeshivas, has also drawn scrutiny from Orthodox leaders.

Mayor Mamdani chose a woman to "combat Antisemitism" who's on record being opposed to yeshiva education, critical of Israel and rejects the IHRA definition of Antisemitism.

It's almost as if he was looking for someone to provide cover for every Antisemitic thing he says or does. pic.twitter.com/8yPTUaiK6l

— Joel M. Petlin (@Joelmpetlin) February 5, 2026

Joel M. Petlin, superintendent of the Kiryas Joel School District, said Wisdom’s opposition to yeshiva oversight reforms and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism raises “serious concerns” about her ability to protect all Jewish New Yorkers.

Councilman Simcha Felder called the appointment a “shanda,” saying her background could undermine trust in the office.

Rabbi Marc Schneier added that the leader of the office must understand that “Israel cannot be bifurcated from Judaism,” noting that Wisdom’s opposition to the IHRA definition — adopted by 50 nations and 37 U.S. states — puts that understanding in question.

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein raised further concern, posting a 2009 tweet in which Wisdom acknowledged she did not observe Yom Kippur. Eichenstein questioned whether her personal observance of Jewish tradition qualifies her to lead the city’s antisemitism office.

The qualification to head Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism?

This⬇️ https://t.co/nsCvEJqLzy pic.twitter.com/iCQiLbdNBI

— Simcha Eichenstein (@SEichenstein) February 5, 2026

In a 2014 article, Wisdom wrote: “My relationship with Judaism in recent years has waxed and waned, but consistently centered around ritual and community rather than observance or devotion to Torah.”

The Office to Combat Antisemitism was created amid a surge in attacks targeting Jewish communities, including vandalism, assaults, and threats. While Wisdom’s supporters say her experience in advocacy could help engage diverse communities, critics warn her record may limit her effectiveness in Orthodox neighborhoods.

City Hall defended the appointment, saying Wisdom’s leadership reflects a commitment to confronting antisemitism citywide. Critics argue the decision risks increasing tensions at a time when many Jewish New Yorkers are already concerned about personal safety.