Mayor's $30M Plan to Combat Antisemitism Funds Anti-Israel Group
Critics question the inclusion of the Arab American Association of New York, which has ties to a prominent critic of Israel and was involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's $30 million initiative aimed at combating antisemitism in New York City includes increased funding for the Partners Against the Hate (P.A.T.H.) program, which in turn provides grants to various community organizations, including the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY).
The P.A.T.H. initiative, launched in 2021 under the city's Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, partners with six grassroots organizations. AAANY, a recipient of increased funding that doubles its previous allocation to $6.4 million, has faced scrutiny due to its past leadership and public stances. The organization was led for over a decade by Linda Sarsour, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and a critic of Israel.
AAANY has publicly supported pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including those that occurred on college campuses following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Data analyzed by OpenTheBooks indicates that AAANY received approximately $3.3 million in city funding between 2017 and 2024.
Mamdani's administration has faced pressure to address a reported rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes. According to NYPD data, antisemitic attacks saw an 8% increase through August, with anti-Jewish incidents constituting a significant majority of hate crime reports.
The mayor's 33-page plan to combat antisemitism has drawn criticism from some members of the Jewish community. Concerns have been raised that the report does not sufficiently address Zionism or Israel, making only passing references. Over two dozen Jewish leaders have reportedly called for the administration to revise the plan to include these aspects.
Before assuming office, Mamdani was noted to have campaigned with Sarsour, who was an early supporter of his political aspirations. The plan itself aims to prevent hate crimes through community programs and grants, with P.A.T.H. also partnering with groups such as the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, the LGBT NYC Anti-Violence Project, the Asian American Federation, and the Hispanic Federation.