Ahead of the New York City Democratic mayoral primary debate on Wednesday, four Jewish organizations released a statement calling on all candidates to condemn dangerous rhetoric they say has inspired deadly antisemitic violence, including recent incidents in Colorado and Washington, D.C.
The UJA-Federation of New York, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, American Jewish Committee of New York and the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey stated that slogans, such as “globalize the intifada,” are calls to violence that “have resulted in real harm to Jewish communities across the country.”
“We urge every mayoral candidate to speak out clearly: there is no place in our city for antisemitic rhetoric, intimidation, or attacks,” the groups stated. “New York is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Silence in the face of clear incitement to violence sends a chilling message.”
“In this moment of rising antisemitism, New Yorkers deserve leaders who will stand firmly against hate in all its forms, including the targeting of Jews under the guise of political expression,” the groups added.
The New York City Democratic mayoral primary debate will be held at 7 p.m. in Midtown Manhattan and streamed live on NBC 4 New York.
