Lieutenant Governor candidate Adrienne Adams faced heckling and boos from pro-Israel protesters during a Brooklyn Democratic Party forum last week, held at the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in Mill Basin. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and State Attorney General Letitia James were also present at the event.
Protester Stephanie Benshimol shouted at Adams, a former City Council Speaker, questioning her actions regarding antisemitism. Benshimol stated, “Jews are second class citizens,” and later attempted to ask Adams about her plans to address antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish New Yorkers. The crowd reportedly booed Benshimol and began to escort her out of the room.
Another protester, Robert Pearl, identified as a member of the organization “New Yorkers First,” expressed disapproval of Adams, citing her perceived negative impact on the neighborhood during the migrant crisis. Pearl claimed the crisis drained local resources and that community concerns were ignored.
Adams, who served as City Council Speaker from 2022 until the end of December, declined to answer questions from The Post before leaving the event. She was introduced by James, who described Adams as someone who “can be a fighter and builder at the same time.” Protesters outside the venue were heard shouting, “Adrienne Adams go home” and “Adrienne Adams is an anti-semite.”
Frank Seddio, the former local party boss who hosted the event, offered kosher hot dogs to the protesters and asserted that the Democratic club is strongly supportive of Israel and its issues.
Adams was selected as Governor Kathy Hochul's running mate in February, marking the first all-female major-party gubernatorial ticket in New York State history. However, the decision initially faced a temporary backlash from some Brooklyn party leaders. Hochul is running for her second full four-year term in November, with a Siena College poll indicating her Republican opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, is within 10 points.
A spokesperson for the Hochul campaign, Ryan Radulovacki, stated that Adams is campaigning across New York, highlighting her record on issues such as fighting antisemitism and investing in childcare, in contrast to Blakeman's agenda. Adams has recently increased her campaign visibility, including a rally with Hochul in Westchester County.