One of the most prominent national Jewish advocacy groups weighed in on the New York City Democratic primary for mayor Tuesday night — effusively praising Andrew Cuomo and ripping Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani as “members and supporters of the antisemitic, anti-Israel Democrats Socialists of America.”
The American Jewish Congress, founded in 1918, noted that it is a non-partisan, tax-exempt group that doesn’t endorse candidates but works to keep “Jewish voters informed and engaged” and emphasized that the Big Apple’s mayoral race is “highly significant for its large Jewish community.”
In a “Dear Friend” e-letter to members and supporters, the AJC then goes on to mention Cuomo, the ex-governor, five times, including in the heading, “Governor Cuomo’s Mayoral Race Announcement.”
“Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his candidacy, highlighting his longstanding commitment to combating antisemitism. The American Jewish Congress applauds Governor Cuomo’s strong stance against antisemitism and his long standing support for Israel,” the AJC said in its message.
“We particularly value his clear message that nothing justifies racism and antisemitism” and that `the law must be aggressively enforced’ to protect Jewish New Yorkers.”
The AJC, in one mention, also praised Mayor Eric Adams for being “a vocal advocate against antisemitism.”
“In contrast, several Democratic primary opponents have downplayed the need to address anti-Jewish hate and prejudice and unfairly criticized Israel,” the group continued.
“Alarmingly, some, including Comptroller Brad Lander and State Rep [Assemblyman] Zohran Mamdani, have been members and supporters of the antisemitic, anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America.”
Lander, who is Jewish, is running for mayor in a crowded field including Mamdani — who has DSA’s backing, Cuomo, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer and Mayor Adams who is seeking re-election.
The group then goes back to touting Cuomo.
“We trust Governor Cuomo’s campaign will foster a robust and meaningful discussion with the other candidates on the most effective ways for New York to confront this growing threat. It is clear that his staunch support for the Jewish community and Israel distinguishes Governor Cuomo from some of the other Democratic primary opponents,” the groups said.
AJC makes no mention of Cuomo’s baggage or scandals, such as resigning as governor under the threat of impeachment in 2021 following a slew of sexual misconduct accusations he denies.
One city Jewish activist — who is familiar with AJC and not a fan of Cuomo — was stunned by what he viewed as a “partisan” statement.
“It’s the opposite of non-partisan. It raises questions about the non-partisan nature of the American Jewish Congress,” said the source, who requested anonymity.
“It’s a coup for Cuomo. No doubt about it.”
Stringer, who is also Jewish, was not mentioned in the AJC statement.
The AJC was founded by famous Jewish Americans and leaders including Albert Einstein, former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, Rabbi Stephen Wise, and U.S. Supreme Court Justices Louis Brandeis and Felix Frankfurter.
AJC members were outspoken supporters of the founding of the State of Israel, and warned of the danger of Nazism in the 1930s and helped save German Jews during World War II.
During the 1960s, AJC joined the civil rights movement.
The group’s current leadership includes president David Rosen, a Manhattan resident who is the CEO of Rosen Partners, an international real estate development firm, and chairman Jack Rosen, a businessman who describes himself as a “long-time friend of President Biden, President Clinton, and President Bush.”
The Post reached out to Lander and Mamdani for comment.
Lander’s campaign dismissed the AJC’s criticism of him and praise for Cuomo.
“Not surprising that Andrew Cuomo would use an organization that endorsed Donald Trump to attack the highest ranking Jewish elected official in NYC government,” said Alison Hirsh, Lander’s Jewish campaign manager.
Mamdani’s campaign did not immediately respond.
