Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, arguing that his statements about Israel and Zionism are contributing to a rise in violence against Jews.
“There is no question that his statements and behavior contribute to the increase in violence,” Fingerhut told ynet. “His statements and actions have incited and contributed to incitement to violence.”
Fingerhut said Mamdani’s rhetoric about Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Zionism directly affects a Jewish community that overwhelmingly identifies with Israel.
“His descriptions of Israel, the prime minister of Israel and Zionism hurt the Jewish community, which is Zionist,” he said. “Ninety percent of American Jews are Zionists and support Israel, and he attacks it and incites people when he accuses Israel of responsibility for terrible things.”
According to Fingerhut, such rhetoric can translate into violence on the streets.
“It incites people and causes them to attack Jews in response. And that is what is happening in New York. People are walking down the street and being attacked. He is responsible for that through his incitement.”
Fingerhut said New York’s Jewish federation, the largest in the United States, has repeatedly addressed Mamdani’s remarks.
“They have been clear,” he said. “People feel they are being attacked by Mamdani.”
His comments come amid a broader rise in antisemitism across the United States, which Fingerhut said has made everyday Jewish life more difficult and threatening.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
(Photo: Angelina Katsanis/AP)
“This is a very serious time here. There is no way to avoid that point,” he said. “It is being fueled by politicians who exploit these issues, antisemitism, anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Zionism in political campaigns. The Jewish community is on edge. It has an everyday impact on our lives.”
Fingerhut said international actors are also contributing to the threat environment.
“Especially over the past year, over the last 12 to 18 months, there has been a very high level of threat of violence against Jews,” he said. “It also comes from the global situation, Iran, Ukraine and so on. Iran explicitly supports it. I believe China supports it on social media. But Iran is the main actor.”
At the same time, he stressed that the threat does not come only from abroad.
“It is also fueled by domestic politics in America. There is no question about that,” he said. “And when you have statements like this from mainstream leaders, it incites people who have a tendency toward violence to act violently.”
Jewish communities ramp up security
Fingerhut said the atmosphere has forced Jewish communities across the United States to significantly increase their security measures.
“There is a very tense security environment,” he said. “The result is that in recent months we have had to build another level of protection, surveillance and security for Jewish communities and every Jewish institution. It is a top priority for us.”
That effort requires substantial resources, he added, but is essential if Jewish communal life is to continue.
“It requires a lot of resources, but it is necessary, because for American Jews to continue participating in Jewish life, people need to know they are safe.”
Fingerhut said the federations have been strengthening security since the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were killed.
Candle lighting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, site of the 2018 mass shooting
(Photo: AP)
“Every federation built a security plan, employs professionals and increased the level of security,” he said. “It worked pretty well, especially after October 7, when there was an increase in demonstrations. We were able to respond effectively.”
Despite the heightened threat, Fingerhut said Jewish participation in communal and religious life has not declined.
“Thank God, exactly the opposite,” he said when asked whether rising antisemitism had reduced attendance at synagogues and community institutions. “People continue to come to synagogues and community institutions. It is not causing the numbers to go down. Quite the opposite.”
He said maintaining that participation depends on preserving a sense of safety.
“For that to continue, and for people to remain engaged, they need to feel safe. So far we have been able to do that, and we are improving the security situation.”
‘Ultimately, it is the government’s duty’
Fingerhut stressed that responsibility for protecting Jewish communities cannot rest solely with Jewish organizations.
“We will do what we need to do to protect the communities through fundraising, decision-making and implementation,” he said. “But ultimately it is the government’s duty to protect its citizens at places of worship and at community gatherings.”
He said the Trump administration has provided significant support to the Jewish community, but argued that more is needed.
“There are many examples of President Trump’s support for the Jewish community. We are very grateful for that. But there is more that needs to be done.”
Fingerhut called for increased funding for law enforcement and stronger legislative support for Jewish community security.
US President Donald Trump
(Photo: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
“We need their support for legislation protecting Jews,” he said. “We need to increase grants to police forces so they can allocate personnel to protect Jews.”
At the same time, he praised cooperation with federal law enforcement.
“The cooperation with the FBI and the Justice Department has been excellent in terms of protecting Jewish communities, and we are grateful for that,” he said. “The Justice Department has been very strong on legislation against antisemitism.”
Antisemitism reaches schools and workplaces
Fingerhut said antisemitism is no longer confined to streets or university campuses.
“Antisemitism is also reaching high schools and elementary schools and affecting our children on social media and in classrooms,” he said.
He added that it is also being felt in the health care system, where “doctors, nurses and staff are being attacked professionally, even if not physically, by this antisemitism.”
Fingerhut said the cumulative effect has created one of the most serious periods for American Jewry in recent memory.
“This is a very serious moment in America,” he said. “The Jewish community, the federations and all the organizations are working very hard to respond.”