Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds NYC's New Antisemitism Czar Phylisa Wisdom
2/8/2026, 9:42:00 AM
Appointment of Phylisa Wisdom as Antisemitism Czar
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Phylisa Wisdom, the former executive director of the New York Jewish Agenda (NYJA), as the new head of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism (MOCA). This decision comes amid a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, with a reported 182% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in January 2026 compared to the previous year. Wisdom's appointment has sparked controversy, particularly among Orthodox Jewish leaders who express concerns about her past statements and affiliations.
Background and Context
Wisdom has a history of expressing critical views on Israel, including a notable reaction to then-mayoral candidate Andrew Yang's condemnation of Hamas attacks in 2021, where she stated she was "floored" by his remarks. Her previous role at NYJA, which opposes the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, positions her as a "liberal Zionist" who supports a two-state solution. However, her past work with Yaffed, an organization advocating for oversight of secular education in Hasidic yeshivas, has led to accusations of being adversarial towards the Orthodox community.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics, including State Assemblyman Kalman Yeger and Rabbi Moshe Davis, have voiced their concerns regarding Wisdom's appointment. Yeger stated that selecting someone with a controversial background undermines the office's credibility, while Davis emphasized that effective leadership requires trust and operational experience. Many Orthodox leaders argue that Wisdom's history of criticizing yeshivas could hinder her ability to build necessary relationships within the community, which is often the target of antisemitic attacks.
Official Statements and Responses
Mayor Mamdani defended Wisdom, calling her a "principled and effective leader" in the fight against antisemitism. He acknowledged the differences in their views on Israel but asserted that these would not detract from their mutual commitment to combating antisemitism. Wisdom herself expressed her dedication to ensuring Jewish safety and belonging in New York City, emphasizing the importance of pluralistic democracy.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is a notable divide in the Jewish community's response to Wisdom's appointment. While some progressive organizations, such as Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, have praised her as an effective leader, mainstream Jewish organizations have remained largely silent. This discrepancy highlights the varying perspectives within the community regarding the best approach to combat antisemitism.
What's Next
As Wisdom takes on her new role, the effectiveness of her leadership will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the rising antisemitic violence in New York City. The challenges ahead include addressing community concerns and establishing trust among diverse Jewish populations, especially those who feel marginalized by her past actions and statements. The success of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism will depend on its ability to implement robust measures that ensure the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers.
