Overview
- Phylisa Wisdom, head of the New York Jewish Agenda, was confirmed as executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, succeeding Moshe Davis.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Wisdom issued statements pledging to protect Jewish New Yorkers, as supporters including Brad Lander and Amy Spitalnick praised her relationships and values.
- Orthodox and some mainstream leaders criticized the pick, citing Wisdom’s opposition to codifying the IHRA definition and her past work with Yaffed; the ADL voiced concerns about the office’s direction.
- Police data show antisemitic incidents made up 57% of reported hate crimes in 2025, with a 182% year-over-year jump in January 2026, including cases targeting Orthodox communities.
- Mamdani kept the office after taking power but revoked Adams-era orders adopting IHRA and barring city agencies from boycotting Israel, as the office coordinates interagency responses and outreach alongside a new City Council task force.