Adams Draws Criticism After Warning Jewish New Yorkers About Mamdani

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New York City — Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Jewish residents “should be concerned” when mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani takes office in January, escalating tensions between the two political figures after a contentious year in city politics. Speaking during a visit to Israel, Adams told reporters that if he were a Jewish New Yorker, he would “be concerned about my children,” according to reporting from The New York Times.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and rising political figure, defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in both the Democratic primary and general election. His win has divided Democratic leaders nationally, particularly among Jewish lawmakers who have criticized his past refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” and his support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. His campaign also unfolded amid heightened concerns about antisemitism across the U.S.

Adams, who was plagued by corruption scandals during his tenure, repeatedly warned voters during the campaign that Mamdani’s positions on Israel would endanger Jewish New Yorkers. On Sunday, he reiterated those claims, saying the “community must prepare itself” following Mamdani’s victory.

Some groups share those concerns, including the Anti-Defamation League, which launched a “Mamdani Monitor” tracking policy decisions it believes could affect Jewish safety. Others have pushed back. Democratic strategist David Axelrod described the ADL’s response as “gratuitous” and “deeply irresponsible,” urging caution in how criticisms are framed.

But, outspoken Democrats, such as strategist David Axelrod, have defended the incoming mayor.

“As a Jew & son of a Jewish refugee, I’m alarmed by the rise of antisemitism. The ADL’s mission is to call it out when they see it,” Axelrod said on social platform X. “But I found their response to Mamdani’s election shockingly gratuitous, inflammatory and deeply irresponsible.”