ADL Report Finds 20% of Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s Transition Team Linked to Anti-Zionist Groups
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A recent report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has raised alarms about the affiliations of a significant portion of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team. According to the ADL, at least 20 percent of Mamdani’s 400-plus administrative appointees have documented ties to anti-Zionist groups or have made statements critical of Israel, igniting debate over the incoming administration’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ADL detailed that more than 80 individuals connected to Mamdani’s team have links to organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine, a prominent pro-Palestinian college activism network; Jewish Voice for Peace, an American Jewish group known for its anti-Zionist positions; and Within Our Lifetime, a New York City-based organization noted for organizing protests outside synagogues. The report further highlights that some appointees have associations with controversial figures, including Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, who has a long history of antisemitic rhetoric.
One appointee, Jacques Léandre, reportedly attended a conference where Farrakhan condemned “the Jews and their power,” according to the ADL. Additionally, several transition team members have been cited for statements that appear to justify or support violence against Israel, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks. For example, Kazi Fouzia posted on social media asserting that “Resistance are [sic] Justified when people are occupied,” sharing footage from an anti-Israel protest in Manhattan on the day of the attacks.
Other appointees publicly expressed hostility toward Zionism. Fahd Ahmed allegedly stated “Zionism is racism,” while Ruha Benjamin reportedly signed a statement claiming Israel was “ideologically founded on Jewish supremacy.” Lisa Ohta was accused of referring to “Zionism’s genocidal ideology,” and Mohammed Karim Chowdhury shared a post likening Zionists to Nazis. Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari was cited for posting a photo at an encampment with an inverted red triangle, a symbol associated with Hamas, accompanied by the phrase “LONG LIVE THE RESISTANCE.”
The ADL’s findings come as the Jewish community and various advocacy groups express concern about what they describe as a “clear and present danger” to Jewish residents under Mamdani’s prospective leadership. The organization’s report is part of a broader national conversation about the influence of anti-Zionist activism within political circles and the potential implications for community relations.
Mayor-elect Mamdani, who has garnered attention for his progressive platform and historic election, has not publicly addressed the ADL’s report. His transition team’s makeup reflects a diverse coalition of activists and organizers, some of whom have been vocal critics of Israeli policies.
Experts note that the controversy underscores the complex dynamics of New York City’s political landscape, where issues of identity, international politics, and local governance frequently intersect. The Anti-Defamation League continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for policies that protect all communities from hate and discrimination.
For context on the broader political environment, the New York City official website provides updates on the transition process and municipal governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State offers insights into U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine, framing the international backdrop to local debates.
The ADL’s report has also drawn attention from federal watchdogs and civil rights organizations, including the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which monitors hate crimes and discrimination nationwide. As the city prepares for Mamdani’s inauguration, community leaders are calling for dialogue and transparency to address concerns raised by the report and to foster unity among New Yorkers of all backgrounds.
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