Mamdani Appoints Wisdom to Lead NYC Antisemitism Office

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Phylisa Wisdom, a 39-year-old leader of the progressive organization New York Jewish Agenda, as executive director of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism on Wednesday. The move replaces Moshe Davis, the office's previous director, who was informed that afternoon that the administration was pursuing a different direction.

Wisdom, who has headed New York Jewish Agenda for nearly three years, brings experience in organizing with Jewish groups focused on social justice issues, including migrants' rights, climate change, and homelessness. Her organization supports Israel's existence as a Jewish democratic state while affirming self-determination rights for both Israelis and Palestinians. It has condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and opposed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel, while also criticizing Israel's military actions in Gaza. The group, founded by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and Rabbi Rachel Timoner, seeks to amplify liberal Jewish perspectives in the city.

In a statement, Mamdani praised Wisdom as a respected leader in the fight against antisemitism. "I am thrilled to welcome Phylisa Wisdom...