The American Jewish Congress Weighs In on the NYC Mayoral Race: A Divisive yet Significant Endorsement

Introduction: The AJC’s Stance in the NYC Mayoral Race

The New York City mayoral race has taken an interesting turn as the American Jewish Congress (AJC), a prominent national Jewish advocacy group, has publicly praised former Governor Andrew Cuomo while criticizing certain Democratic candidates. The AJC, founded in 1918, is a non-partisan, tax-exempt organization that aims to keep Jewish voters informed and engaged in political matters. While the group does not officially endorse candidates, its recent statement carries significant weight, especially given the large Jewish community in New York City. The AJC’s message, sent via an email to its members and supporters, highlighted Cuomo’s strong stance against antisemitism and his support for Israel, positioning him as a standout candidate in the race.

Cuomo’s Candidacy and the AJC’s Approval

The AJC’s email, titled "Governor Cuomo’s Mayoral Race Announcement," praised Cuomo’s commitment to combating antisemitism and his unwavering support for Israel. The group emphasized Cuomo’s message that "nothing justifies racism and antisemitism" and that the law must be "aggressively enforced" to protect Jewish New Yorkers. The AJC also acknowledged Cuomo’s long-standing efforts to address antisemitism, positioning him as a leader who understands the importance of safeguarding the Jewish community. While the group did not explicitly endorse Cuomo, its praise for him was effusive, suggesting that his candidacy aligns closely with the values the AJC seeks to uphold.

Criticism of Other Candidates: A Point of Controversy

The AJC’s statement also drew attention for its criticism of certain Democratic primary opponents. The group singled out Comptroller Brad Lander and State Representative Zohran Mamdani, accusing them of being "members and supporters of the antisemitic, anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America." This criticism has sparked controversy, particularly since Lander is Jewish and has a significant following in the Jewish community. The AJC’s assertion that these candidates have downplayed the need to address anti-Jewish hate and unfairly criticized Israel has been met with pushback from their supporters. Lander’s campaign dismissed the AJC’s criticism, calling it unsurprising that Cuomo would use an organization that previously endorsed Donald Trump to attack the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in NYC government.

The AJC’s Historical Context and Current Leadership

The American Jewish Congress has a rich history of advocating for Jewish rights and combating antisemitism. Founded by notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Golda Meir, and U.S. Supreme Court Justices Louis Brandeis and Felix Frankfurter, the AJC has been a vocal supporter of the State of Israel since its establishment. During the 1930s, the group warned of the dangers of Nazism and played a role in saving German Jews during World War II. In the 1960s, the AJC also joined the civil rights movement, demonstrating its commitment to broader social justice causes. Today, the AJC’s leadership includes president David Rosen and chairman Jack Rosen, prominent businessmen with extensive political connections, including a self-described "long-time friendship" with former Presidents Biden, Clinton, and Bush.

Reactions and Implications for the Mayoral Race

The AJC’s statement has sparked a mixed reaction within the Jewish community and beyond. While some view it as a necessary pushback against rising antisemitism, others have criticized the group for appearing partisan and ignoring Cuomo’s own controversies, such as the sexual misconduct allegations that led to his resignation as governor in 2021. A Jewish activist familiar with the AJC expressed dismay at what they saw as a "partisan" statement, questioning the group’s non-partisan nature. Meanwhile, Lander’s campaign has dismissed the criticism, accusing Cuomo of using the AJC to attack Jewish officials. Mamdani’s campaign has yet to respond to the allegations.

Conclusion: The AJC’s Role in Shaping the Discourse

The American Jewish Congress’s statement has undoubtedly added a new layer of complexity to the NYC mayoral race. While the group’s praise for Cuomo has been seen as a coup for his campaign, its criticism of other candidates has raised questions about its impartiality and the broader implications for the Jewish community. As the race progresses, the AJC’s influence will likely continue to shape the discourse around antisemitism, Israel, and the role of Jewish leadership in New York City. Whether this will translate into tangible support for Cuomo or further divide the Jewish community remains to be seen.