Jewish Organizations Withdraw from NYC Mayor’s Interfaith Breakfast

Jewish organizations are significantly withdrawing from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s upcoming interfaith breakfast, marking a notable shift in community involvement.

Key Changes in Event Sponsorship

This year, several Jewish groups, including the UJA-Federation of New York, the New York Board of Rabbis, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), will not participate in the event. The ADL explicitly stated that it was not invited after years of sponsorship. Scott Richman, the regional director of ADL New York and New Jersey, emphasized the importance of protecting the Jewish community amidst rising antisemitism.

Statements from the ADL

• Scott Richman noted, “For years, ADL has proudly sponsored the NYC Mayor’s annual Interfaith Breakfast.”
• He added, “While a breakfast itself does not ultimately matter, protecting every Jewish New Yorker does.”

In a subsequent clarification, the ADL confirmed its decision to withdraw sponsorship was made prior to receiving an invitation.

New Sponsors and Progressive Representation

As traditional sponsors step back, new progressive groups are stepping in. Jews for Racial and Economic Justice and the New York Jewish Agenda have been confirmed as sponsors this year. Phylisa Wisdom, the outgoing leader of the New York Jewish Agenda, will also be making her debut as the director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism during the breakfast.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

• Rabbi Marc Schneier has publicly declined to attend, criticizing Mamdani’s approach towards Israel and the Jewish community.
• Other figures, like Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, have indicated plans to attend, despite prior criticisms of Mamdani.

Past sponsors such as the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and Sephardic Community Federation have not commented on their participation this year.

Background of the Interfaith Breakfast Tradition

The mayor’s interfaith breakfast was initiated by former Mayor Mike Bloomberg in 2002. It usually attracts over 300 religious leaders and has faced political tension in past years. Notably, the event has been boycotted before due to political issues, including accusations of police surveillance against Muslim communities.

Recent Developments in Interfaith Relations

During last year’s breakfast, Mayor Eric Adams stirred controversy by downplaying the separation of church and state, while also delivering a campaign-style speech about his life and leadership.

This year’s breakfast will be hosted at the New York Public Library’s main building and aims to foster faith-based connections among leaders across the five boroughs. However, specific details about the event’s speakers and sponsoring organizations have yet to be disclosed.

As the interfaith breakfast approaches, the dynamics between Jewish organizations and the mayor’s office reflect a changing landscape in New York City’s political and social fabric.