Mayor’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism Includes Funding for Group Linked to Anti-Israel Activist

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Summary

A $30 million plan by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to combat antisemitism includes a $6.4 million grant to Partners Against Hate (PATH), which partners with the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY). AAANY was previously led by Linda Sarsour, an anti-Israel activist. The city’s hate crime data shows 181 antisemitic incidents in 2026, with 131 classified as felonies. Mamdani’s plan faces scrutiny as Jewish communities question whether the Muslim-led administration is doing enough. AAANY has also donated to CAIR-NY, a group with controversial ties to Hamas.

Our Reading

As expected, the matter has reached another stage.

Mamdani’s plan includes a grant to a group linked to a former leader of an anti-Israel organization.

PATH works with AAANY, which has donated to a group accused of ties to Hamas.

The city’s hate crime data shows a spike in antisemitic acts.

Some see the funding as a step forward, others as a misstep in the fight against antisemitism.

Author: Evan Null

Mayor Mamdani’s Plan and the Controversial Funding

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to combat antisemitism includes a $6.4 million grant to Partners Against Hate (PATH). The organization works with the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY), which has ties to Linda Sarsour, a former leader and anti-Israel activist. The funding has drawn criticism from Jewish communities who question the administration’s commitment to fighting antisemitism.

PATH’s partnership with AAANY is not new. It was outlined in a 2021 press release from then-Mayor Bill de Blasio. The press release stated that the organizations would work together to combat hate crimes. However, AAANY has since faced scrutiny for its advocacy against Israel, a position critics say goes beyond its stated mission.

AAANY has donated over $223,000 to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York (CAIR-NY). The national CAIR organization has been linked to Hamas and was named an unindicted co-conspirator in a major terrorism case. These connections have raised concerns about the group’s role in the city’s antisemitism initiatives.

Mamdani’s plan has been met with skepticism, especially after the mayor’s previous efforts to address antisemitism faced criticism. The mayor’s office has not yet commented on concerns about the funding of groups with controversial ties to Israel.

The mayor’s administration continues to face pressure from both Jewish communities and critics who question whether the funding of certain groups undermines the fight against antisemitism. The situation highlights the complexity of balancing community outreach with the need to address rising hate crimes.

Antisemitism and the Rise in Hate Crimes

In 2026, antisemitic acts accounted for 9% of the city’s hate crime data, with 181 recorded incidents. Of these, 131 were classified as felony offenses. The increase has prompted Mayor Mamdani to unveil a $30 million plan to combat antisemitism, aiming to provide greater support to Jewish communities.

The city’s hate crime data shows a 16% increase in the first eight months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. While antisemitic crimes remain the largest category, hate crimes against Muslims and homosexuals have also risen. The mayor’s plan includes funding for groups like PATH, which works with AAANY, a group with ties to anti-Israel activists.

The mayor’s strategy has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a necessary step to address rising hate, others argue that the funding of groups with controversial stances on Israel could undermine the effort. Jewish leaders have expressed concern that the administration is not doing enough to protect their communities.

The mayor’s office has not yet responded to questions about whether the funding of certain groups could be seen as contradictory to the goal of combating antisemitism. The situation reflects the challenges of addressing hate crimes while navigating complex political and community dynamics.

As the city continues to grapple with rising hate crimes, the effectiveness of Mamdani’s plan remains to be seen. The involvement of groups with controversial ties to Israel has added another layer of complexity to the mayor’s efforts to address antisemitism.

The Role of AAANY and Its Controversial Ties

The Arab American Association of New York (AAANY) has been linked to the Partners Against Hate (PATH) initiative, which received a $6.4 million grant from the city. AAANY has also been associated with Linda Sarsour, a former leader and prominent anti-Israel activist. Sarsour was involved in the Women’s March and has been criticized for her views on Israel.

AAANY has donated over $223,000 to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York (CAIR-NY). The national CAIR organization has been linked to Hamas and was involved in a major terrorism financing case. These connections have raised concerns about the group’s role in the city’s antisemitism initiatives.

The group has also pushed for the U.S. to distance itself from Israel, citing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Its executive director, Marwa Janini, has called for a ceasefire and criticized the Israel-Hamas war. These positions have drawn criticism from Jewish advocacy groups.

AAANY’s involvement in the city’s antisemitism plan has sparked debate. While the group claims to combat hate, its advocacy against Israel has led to questions about its alignment with the city’s goals. The mayor’s office has not commented on these concerns.

The situation highlights the challenges of balancing community outreach with the need to address rising hate crimes. The involvement of groups with controversial ties to Israel has added another layer of complexity to the mayor’s efforts to combat antisemitism.

The Impact of Political Alliances and Public Perception

Linda Sarsour, a former leader of AAANY, has been a long-time political ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. She endorsed his bid for the New York Assembly and supported his mayoral campaign. Sarsour was previously removed from the Women’s March for alleged antisemitism and ties to controversial figures like Louis Farrakhan.

AAANY’s advocacy against Israel has drawn criticism from Jewish groups, including the Anti-Defamation League. The group has opposed efforts like the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which Sarsour supports. These tensions have fueled concerns about the group’s role in the city’s antisemitism initiatives.

The mayor’s plan to combat antisemitism has faced scrutiny, with some questioning whether the funding of certain groups undermines the effort. Jewish leaders have expressed skepticism about whether the Muslim-led administration is doing enough to protect their communities.

Despite the criticism, the mayor’s office has not yet addressed concerns about the funding of groups with controversial ties to Israel. The situation reflects the challenges of addressing hate crimes while navigating complex political and community dynamics.

Public Response and the Future of the Plan

Public response to Mamdani’s plan has been mixed. While some see it as a necessary step to address rising antisemitism, others question whether the funding of groups with controversial ties to Israel is appropriate. Jewish leaders have expressed concern that the administration is not doing enough to protect their communities.

The involvement of groups with controversial ties to Israel has added another layer of complexity to the mayor’s efforts to address antisemitism. The effectiveness of the plan remains to be seen, as the city continues to grapple with rising hate crimes.

As the city moves forward, the success of Mamdani’s plan will depend on its ability to address antisemitism while maintaining trust with Jewish communities. The involvement of groups with controversial stances on Israel has made this task more difficult.