Phylisa Wisdom appointed to position with full backing; some Orthodox leaders object to her yeshiva criticism history
Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the progressive New York Jewish Agenda, to run the city’s Office to Combat Antisemitism on February 4. The appointment marks Mamdani’s effort to navigate complex relationship with New York’s diverse Jewish community while asserting independence from his predecessor’s approach. Wisdom, a respected organizer and advocate with nearly three years leading NYJA, brings progressive values and Zionist commitments that place her closer to mainstream Jewish community consensus than Mamdani himself. Yet her appointment has sparked controversy among some Orthodox and Hasidic leaders who bristle at her past work criticizing yeshiva education, revealing deep divisions within the Jewish community about priorities and values. The office, established by former Mayor Eric Adams in May 2025, coordinates citywide response to antisemitic hate crimes and community safety. Mamdani has signaled his intention to expand its mandate while also removing Adams’ adoption of the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance antisemitism definition, a move that itself sparked intense Jewish community debate.
Wisdom’s Background: Progressive Advocacy and Yeshiva Criticism
Phylisa Wisdom, age thirty-nine, has spent years organizing within progressive Jewish circles. Before leading NYJA since 2023, she worked as director of development and government affairs at Young Advocates for Fair Education (Yaffed), an organization that pushes for expanded secular education within Hasidic yeshivas. Yaffed argues that yeshiva students receive inadequate instruction in English, mathematics, science, and other secular subjects, limiting employment prospects after graduation. The organization has filed complaints with New York state education officials and advocated for government oversight of yeshiva curricula. This work made Wisdom controversial within insular Orthodox and Hasidic communities who view yeshiva education as non-negotiable cultural and religious cornerstone. Some Hasidic leaders see Yaffed as external threat to community autonomy and religious preservation. By appointing Wisdom, Mamdani signaled that the antisemitism office will not defer to particular segments of Jewish community on other matters of community interest, such as education policy.
NYJA and Progressive Zionism: Where Wisdom Differs from Mamdani
The New York Jewish Agenda, which Wisdom has led since 2023, identifies itself as progressive and Zionist, supporting the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish democratic state while affirming self-determination for Palestinians. This positions the organization closer to Jewish mainstream than Mamdani, whose criticism of Israeli government policies and defense of Palestinian rights has made him controversial within Jewish institutions. Some Orthodox and mainstream Jewish leaders worried during the campaign that Mamdani’s election would result in appointment of anti-Zionist activists to key positions. By choosing Wisdom, Mamdani signaled that his opposition to certain Israeli policies does not translate into hostility toward Jewish institutions or Jewish self-determination. This represents pragmatic bridge-building.
Community Reaction: Support and Skepticism
Major Jewish organizations and elected officials praised the appointment. Congressman Jerry Nadler, a Jewish Democrat, stated confidence in Wisdom’s ability to bring diverse people together. City Comptroller Mark Levine, also Jewish, called her “consistently smart, open-minded, and collaborative.” State Senator Liz Krueger and former Comptroller Brad Lander offered enthusiastic endorsements. Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs praised the selection. Yet organizations to the right, including some branches of the Orthodox and Hasidic community, privately bristled. The Anti-Defamation League stated it had “serious concerns” about the office’s ability to confront antisemitism under Wisdom’s leadership. Thirteen pro-Israel Jewish organizations petitioned Mamdani to select somebody “in the mold of” the previous director, Rabbi Moshe Davis, citing concerns about Wisdom’s suitability. One Orthodox leader quoted in reporting said: “Orthodox Jews are among those most frequently targeted by antisemitism. Choosing a figure known for antagonizing the Orthodox community reflects troubling disconnect from that reality.”
The IHRA Definition Controversy: Mamdani’s First Day Decision
Complicating Wisdom’s appointment is Mamdani’s decision on his first day in office to revoke Adams’ adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance antisemitism definition. The IHRA definition, widely supported by mainstream Jewish organizations including the ADL, considers many criticisms of Israel as antisemitism. Mamdani argued that the definition conflates legitimate political criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism, potentially chilling free speech and political debate. Progressive and Palestinian rights advocates have long opposed IHRA adoption, arguing it weaponizes antisemitism claims to silence dissent. By revoking the definition, Mamdani aligned himself with these critics while antagonizing mainstream Jewish institutions.
Wisdom’s Approach: Multiple Definitions and Pragmatism
Rather than adopting a single definition of antisemitism, Wisdom has indicated she will draw from multiple established definitionsIHRA, the Nexus Document (which states that most criticism of Israel is not antisemitic), and the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (released in 2021 as progressive alternative to IHRA). This multi-definition approach attempts to acknowledge legitimate concerns across Jewish political spectrum while avoiding definitive positions that would alienate portions of Jewish community. Wisdom has also indicated she will prioritize policy, practice, and investment over definitional debates. This pragmatic stance may disappoint ideological purists on both sides but offers working framework for office functionality.
Office Responsibilities and Expanded Mandate
The Office to Combat Antisemitism coordinates response across city agencies: the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, the Commission on Human Rights, the office for Prevention of Hate Crimes, and other departments. The office compiles data on antisemitic incidents, coordinates community liaisons, and develops anti-bias education programs. New York City saw antisemitic incidents increase 182 percent in January 2026 compared to January 2025, reflecting national trend of rising anti-Jewish hate following October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. The city recorded 1,244 antisemitic incidents in 2023, up from 455 in 2019. Wisdom’s mandate includes developing comprehensive strategy to address this surge while maintaining community trust.
The Listening Tour: Building Bridges Across Jewish Diversity
Wisdom has indicated her first action will be launching a “listening tour” with borough-based hubs in homes, schools, and community centers, explicitly designed to hear from diverse Jewish voices and build trust across community divisions. This approach contrasts with top-down imposition of definitions and approaches. By prioritizing relationships and community input, Wisdom signals that the antisemitism office will be responsive to actual community concerns rather than driven by mayoral ideology or institutional preferences.
The Department of Community Safety: Still in Limbo
During his campaign, Mamdani promised creation of a Department of Community Safety focused on preventing hate crimes, particularly antisemitic incidents. He indicated the department would receive 800 percent increased funding and would coordinate with Jewish community to enhance safety. Yet the preliminary budget unveiled February 17 omitted any funding for the proposed department. Officials indicated funding might be included in negotiations with City Council through the spring budget process, but the proposal’s apparent deprioritization signals budget constraints and competing priorities are limiting this initiative. Without Department of Community Safety funding, the antisemitism office operates within existing agency structures with limited new resources.
The Stakes: Jewish Community Trust in Democratic Socialist Mayor
Mamdani’s relationship with Jewish community remains fragile. He won approximately thirty-three percent of Jewish votes in November 2024, well below his overall performance. Jewish voters cited concerns about his opposition to Israel, his defense of Palestinian rights, and his administration’s approach to Jewish community priorities. By appointing Wisdom and maintaining the Office to Combat Antisemitism while reshaping its definitional approach, Mamdani attempts balance: showing respect for Jewish community concerns while asserting administration independence on matters of Jewish political diversity. Whether this strategy succeeds depends on office effectiveness and community perception of fairness and responsiveness. See the Office to Combat Antisemitism official information. Learn about New York Jewish Agenda values and work.
