The New York State Democratic Party has quietly approved a resolution condemning antisemitism amid ongoing internal tensions over accusations that party leaders are insufficiently addressing anti-Jewish hate. The resolution was passed overwhelmingly earlier this month shortly after Jay Jacobs, a Jewish supporter of Israel, secured a decisive victory to remain party chairman, fending off a challenge from Otsego County Democratic Party Chair Caitlin Ogden.
Jacobs emphasized the significance of the resolution, stating it counters claims that Democrats are lenient on antisemitism. "I feel very good about it. I’m constantly responding to claims that Democrats are soft on antisemitism. It’s just not true," he said. The party’s official press release about the October 1 election did not mention the resolution, which Jacobs described as an oversight.
“That was a mistake. We dropped the ball,” Jacobs acknowledged. He expressed a desire for the public to understand the party’s efforts to confront antisemitism, describing the resolution as “consequential.”
Jacobs, who also chairs the Nassau County Democratic Party, has faced criticism from more progressive members for his moderate stances and for declining to endorse New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during last year’s mayoral race. Mamdani, who holds pro-Palestinian views, has been accused by Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman of antisemitism during a recent debate with Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul.
Jacobs defended Mamdani, asserting that supporting Palestinian rights does not equate to antisemitism. “Zohran Mamdani is not an antisemite. He sympathizes with the Palestinian cause, and he opposes some of the actions of the Israeli government. I have disagreements with him on some of the issues,” Jacobs said.
The newly adopted resolution outlines various forms of modern antisemitism, noting that it often appears through coded rhetoric, Holocaust denial and distortion, conspiracy theories about Jewish control of governments and finance, accusations of dual loyalty, and hostility toward Israel used as a veil for prejudice against Jewish individuals and institutions.
The measure also highlights overt antisemitic acts including assaults on individuals, vandalism of religious sites, displays of Nazi symbols, and threats targeting synagogues and schools. It concludes by affirming that no person should face violence or discrimination because of their religion, heritage, or ethnicity and formally condemns all antisemitic violence, intimidation, discrimination, and aggression.
The resolution’s passage represents a formal stance by the New York Democratic Party amid heightened scrutiny of how political leaders address antisemitism within their ranks and constituencies.