Full Breakdown
Tensions Rise as NYPD Commissioner’s Brother Labels Mayor-Elect an “Enemy” of Jewish People
12/5/2025, 12:14:30 AM
Controversial Remarks at Charity Gala
During a charity dinner hosted by the Met Council, a nonprofit focused on combating Jewish poverty, Benjamin Tisch, brother of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, referred to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as an “enemy” of the Jewish people. This comment, made while presenting an award, has sparked significant controversy, particularly as Jessica Tisch has accepted Mamdani's offer to remain as police commissioner after he takes office on January 1, 2026. Attendees reportedly reacted with surprise at the comment, given the familial connection and the political implications.
Background on the Political Landscape
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the first Muslim mayor of New York City, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, leading to accusations of antisemitism from some quarters. Critics, including Benjamin Tisch and Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, have expressed concerns about Mamdani's stance on Israel, particularly his refusal to affirm Israel's identity as a Jewish state. These tensions have been exacerbated by Mamdani's decision to retain Jessica Tisch, who has publicly opposed several of his proposed public safety reforms.
Criticism from Pro-Palestinian Groups
Mamdani's decision to keep Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner has drawn backlash from numerous pro-Palestinian organizations. An open letter signed by groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Within Our Lifetime criticized Mamdani for aligning with Tisch, whom they associate with a legacy of racialized policing and support for Israel. The letter argues that this decision represents a departure from the values that Mamdani's campaign purported to champion, including justice and liberation.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the backlash, Mamdani acknowledged the disagreements between himself and Tisch but emphasized their potential for a productive partnership. He stated, “The two of us will not shy away from the fact that we hold disagreements on certain issues … but I also believe that these disagreements are not only reconcilable, but they are the sign of a healthy partnership to come.” Jessica Tisch has also expressed her belief that Mamdani will be a mayor for all New Yorkers, including the Jewish community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Benjamin Tisch's comments have been widely reported, there is a lack of direct responses from both him and Mamdani's camp regarding the implications of these remarks. Additionally, the extent of support or opposition from the Jewish community towards Mamdani's policies remains unclear, as does the potential impact of these tensions on his administration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Someone who uses antisemitism in their campaign and normalizes antisemitism, he is our enemy,” — Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management
- “Retaining Tisch represents a political alignment with the NYPD’s legacy of racialized policing, surveillance, and repression, and a retreat from the values of justice and liberation that Mamdani’s campaign claimed to champion.” — Open letter from pro-Palestinian groups
- “My sincere belief is that the mayor-elect will live up to the commitment he’s made to be a mayor for all New Yorkers, including the Jewish community.” — Jessica Tisch
The unfolding dynamics between Mamdani, Tisch, and their respective supporters highlight the complexities of New York City's political landscape as it prepares for a new administration.
