At today’s state budget hearing, State Senator Bill Weber (R–Rockland) directly questioned New York City Mayor Mamdani on his administration’s approach to combating antisemitism, raising concerns about recent policy decisions and appointments.

Senator Weber, who represents Rockland County—one of the highest per-capita Jewish populations in the United States—and serves as a co-founder of the New York State Senate Antisemitism Working Group, emphasized the seriousness of the issue at the outset of his remarks.

“Like you, I represent one of the highest per-capita Jewish populations in the United States,” Weber said to the Mayor. “I take that responsibility very seriously.”

Weber first addressed the Mayor’s recent appointment of a new Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. He noted that while the role is critically important, there are concerns within segments of the Orthodox and Chasidic communities regarding the appointee’s past statements and her prior leadership of Yaffed, an organization some in those communities view as adversarial.

“For this office to succeed, it must build trust across the full spectrum of Jewish life in New York City,” Weber said, asking the Mayor how his administration plans to establish and maintain that trust.

The Senator also took issue with the Mayor’s repeated pledge to “cherish and protect” Jewish New Yorkers, saying that while the sentiment may be well-intentioned, the focus should be on treating them like everyone else.

“Jewish New Yorkers are not relics to be preserved,” Weber said. “They are strong, vibrant members of our communities who deserve fairness and safety—just like every other New Yorker.”

Weber further expressed support for a proposal by City Council Speaker Julie Menin to establish a 100-foot buffer zone at protests, similar to protections in place at polling sites. He described the measure as a “common-sense” approach to preventing harassment and intimidation while preserving First Amendment rights, and asked whether the Mayor would support it.

Finally, Senator Weber urged the Mayor to restore the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which was revoked at the start of the Mayor’s term.

“Revoking the IHRA definition on day one sent a troubling signal,” Weber said. “Restoring it would go a long way toward rebuilding trust and demonstrating a serious commitment to combating Antisemitism in all its forms.”

The exchange underscored ongoing tensions over how best to address rising concerns about Antisemitism in New York City and highlighted Senator Weber’s continued advocacy on behalf of diverse communities throughout Rockland County and the region.