New York City Mayor Mamdani’s recently unveiled $30 million strategy to combat antisemitism has drawn criticism for its allocation of funds and scope, particularly from some members of the Jewish community. The mayor’s plan, released last week, includes a $6.4 million investment in Partners Against the Hate (PATH), a community grant program aimed at preventing hate crimes through partnerships with various grassroots organizations.
PATH, originally launched in 2021 under the city’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, collaborates with a core group of six community partners, which include the Jewish Community Relations Council alongside other religious and ethnic groups. Among these is the Arab American Association of New York, a Brooklyn-based group known for its pro-Palestinian stance. The association, once led by Linda Sarsour—a longtime mentor to Mayor Mamdani—has been active in supporting protests critical of Israel, including demonstrations following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
According to data analyzed by the transparency watchdog OpenTheBooks and reported by other outlets, the Arab American Association of New York received approximately $3.3 million in city funding from 2017 through 2024. This inclusion has raised concerns among some advocates who question the appropriateness of supporting organizations perceived as antagonistic toward Israel in a program designed to address antisemitism.
Other PATH partners highlighted in the mayor’s plan include the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, informally known as “the GodSquad,” the LGBT NYC Anti-Violence Project, the Asian American Federation, and the Hispanic Federation.
Since assuming office, Mamdani has faced pressure to respond to a noticeable increase in antisemitic incidents across New York’s five boroughs. The mayor’s comprehensive 33-page proposal aims to bolster community outreach and enhance coordination among city agencies to prevent hate crimes. However, its reception has been mixed.
A number of Jewish leaders have voiced disappointment with the plan’s language, specifically its omission of the term “Zionism” in discussions relating to antisemitism and the minimal references made to Israel. Over two dozen community representatives have called on the city administration to revise the strategy to more directly address these issues.
The mayor’s office has yet to respond publicly to these critiques, leaving ongoing debate about the balance between broad coalition-building and targeted approaches to combating antisemitism in the city.