Phylisa Wisdom faces scrutiny over qualifications, past statements on Israel and Orthodox education
The appointment of Phylisa Wisdom to lead New York City’s Office to Combat Antisemitism has opened a window into deep divisions within the Jewish community regarding how antisemitism should be defined, addressed, and who bears responsibility for combating anti-Jewish hatred. The decision by Mayor Zohran Mamdani signals his particular approach to Jewish community relations while raising questions about how the office will function given philosophical differences between the mayor and significant segments of the community.
Office Responsibilities and Stakes
The Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, housed in City Hall, coordinates the city’s response to antisemitism across agencies. The office identifies and develops efforts to eliminate antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate crime while establishing task forces with representatives from the Police Department, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, and the Commission on Human Rights. The position carries particular weight as the city continues facing rising antisemitic incidents, with hate crimes against Jews surging to unprecedented levels.
Wisdom’s Professional Background
Wisdom previously led the New York Jewish Agenda, a liberal advocacy organization that emphasizes Jewish self-determination while criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Under her leadership, NYJA maintained that condemning antisemitism on both the left and right was essential while also creating space for criticism of Israel. When a pro-Hamas protest outside a Manhattan synagogue drew widespread condemnation, NYJA called it unambiguous and unacceptable antisemitism while the mayor spoke against the protest without mentioning antisemitism specifically.
Concerns About Yaffed Work
Wisdom’s prior role as director of development and government affairs for YAFFED, which advocates secular education reforms in Hasidic yeshivas, generated particular concern among Orthodox leaders. One Orthodox community leader described the appointment as mind-boggling, wondering why Mamdani would select someone whom Orthodox Jews see as an adversary. The Hasidic community views YAFFED with deep enmity and remains fiercely opposed to government intrusion into yeshiva education.
Past Statements Resurface
Critics highlighted past social media posts, including a 2021 response to Andrew Yang where Wisdom said she was floored by his statement supporting Israel against Hamas terrorism. A 2009 post mentioning that Wisdom did not observe Yom Kippur drew commentary about her personal Jewish observance and whether such background qualified her for the role. These past statements fueled concerns among those questioning her commitment to combating all forms of antisemitism.
The IHRA Definition Dispute
At the center of the controversy lies disagreement about how antisemitism should be defined. Mamdani repealed Adams’ adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism on his first day, leaving the office without clear guidance. Wisdom has opposed the IHRA definition, which many Jewish leaders view as essential to addressing contemporary forms of antisemitism.
Leadership Praise and Support
Progressive Jewish leaders including City Comptroller Mark Levine and former City Comptroller Brad Lander praised Wisdom’s selection, arguing that she brings necessary diversity of Jewish thought while remaining committed to combating antisemitism. Lander stated that Wisdom both loved New York as a diverse Jewish city and was committed to protecting Jewish safety through work with Muslim, African American, and Latino communities.
Government Experience Questions
Critics questioned whether Wisdom possessed necessary government experience to manage a complex city agency requiring strong relationships with police, prosecutors, and community organizations addressing hate crimes. The office oversees coordination with multiple agencies and requires credibility across a diverse community to function effectively.
Road Ahead
Wisdom has indicated she will pursue a comprehensive strategy to address antisemitism while ensuring Jewish safety and belonging remains central to city policy. Whether she can bridge divisions within the Jewish community while implementing policies acceptable to her predecessors and critics remains an open question as the administration moves forward.
