ADL Report Details Systemic Concerns About Appointees Connected to Anti-Israel Activities and Antisemitic Rhetoric
The Anti-Defamation League released comprehensive findings documenting that more than 20 percent of Zohran Mamdani’s 400-plus transition appointees had documented connections to groups and activities deemed antisemitic or anti-Israel, expanding the vetting controversy far beyond Catherine Almonte Da Costa’s resignation. The scope of the problems suggested systemic failures in the transition’s ability to evaluate appointees for compatibility with New York City’s large Jewish community.
The ADL’s Comprehensive Report
Statistical Findings
The ADL’s “Mamdani Monitor” detailed that more than 80 transition appointees had concerning connections or statements, including participation in anti-Israel campus encampments, antisemitic tropes, and relationships with organizations advocating Israel’s elimination. This represented unprecedented documented problematic representation among a single mayor’s transition team, shocking Jewish community leaders expecting more careful vetting given rising antisemitism.
Specific Case Concerns
The ADL flagged Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, named to the youth and education committee, for appearing in photographs in front of banners with Hamas symbols and the words “long live the resistance.” Mohammed Karim Chowdhury faced criticism for claiming “Zionists are worse than Haman of ancient times, the Inquisition, and the Nazis.” Kazi Fouzia drew concern for posting “Resistance are justified when people are occupied” less than 24 hours after October 7 Hamas attacks.
Farrakhan Connections Surface
Nation of Islam Ties
The ADL identified at least four appointees with ties to Louis Farrakhan, the antisemitic Nation of Islam leader with documented history of hateful rhetoric toward Jewish people. Among those flagged was Tamika Mallory, a former Women’s March co-chair named to Mamdani’s community safety committee, who previously resigned from the Women’s March following antisemitic controversy.
Previous Statements
Mallory had previously advanced false historical claims about Jewish involvement in slavery and maintained associations with figures known for antisemitic rhetoric. Her selection to the community safety committee raised questions about whether Mamdani properly understood the concerns such appointments would generate among Jewish New Yorkers.
Mamdani’s Response and Jewish Community Division
Distinguishing Criticism From Hate
Mamdani rejected the ADL characterization, arguing the organization conflated legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism. “We must distinguish between antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli government,” Mamdani stated at a press conference, contending that diverse political views existed within his transition about proper approaches to Zionism and Palestinian rights.
Progressive Jewish Disagreement
The ADL report sparked division among Jewish organizations, with progressive groups including Bend the Arc and T’ruah criticizing the ADL for disproportionate scrutiny of left-wing activists while overlooking more dangerous antisemitism from right-wing sources and Trump allies. However, mainstream Jewish organizations and many community leaders viewed the transition team composition as genuinely concerning regardless of perspective.
