Agudath Israel of America is encouraged by the launch of Mayor Mamdani’s Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, and Mayor Mamdani’s statement, released yesterday. The Agudah applauds this acknowledgement of rising antisemitism, the significant work inherent in the plan’s compilation, and its inclusion of several positive features – all critical elements for addressing an epidemic of hate in the city with the largest population of Jews outside of Israel.

That said, many Jews, and especially those represented by Agudah, will find this plan lacking.

Orthodox Jews will not be impressed by an allocation of $1 million to protect nonprofit organizations and houses of worship while making a $2.5 million capital investment in The Center for New Jewish Culture “to support the next generation of Jewish artists.” Nor will they feel seen by an acknowledgment of Leonard Bernstein, Katz’s Deli, and Kleinfeld Bridal, as singled out by the mayor’s listing of Jewish contributions to NYC.

Visibly identifiable Jews comprise the primary victims of antisemitism. We need real safety. We need security funding and uncompromising enforcement; unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism wherever and by whichever political group it is espoused; an end to the administration’s stoking of Jew-hatred through its obsession with criticizing Israel; and a complete cessation of pandering to antisemitic personas.