TEANECK, NJ — Teaneck Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg has penned a strongly worded opinion piece in The Jerusalem Post calling on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to take a more active role in protecting the city's Jewish community amid what she describes as a growing climate of antisemitism.
In the piece, published Sunday, Goldberg draws on her experience in local government to argue that Mamdani's responsibility as mayor is to govern for all New Yorkers, including those who may disagree with his political views.
Goldberg's central message is summed up in the headline: "New Jersey councilwoman to Zohran Mamdani: You are the mayor – act like it!"
She criticizes Mamdani's decision to revoke former Mayor Eric Adams' adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and an executive order directing city agencies to examine ways to better protect people attending houses of worship.
Goldberg argues that the decisions took place against the backdrop of increased antisemitic incidents and concerns among Jewish New Yorkers about their safety.
The councilwoman also takes issue with Mamdani's past defense of the phrase "globalize the intifada," arguing that the terminology carries a painful and threatening meaning for Jews who remember the violence of the Second Intifada.
"Do you understand what Jews hear when someone says 'globalize the intifada'?" Goldberg writes, pointing to suicide bombings and other attacks during the intifadas.
Goldberg's piece also references a recent incident at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, where a man allegedly disrupted Shabbat services, struck a Jewish woman and assaulted a security guard.
She argues that expressions of concern after such incidents are not enough and calls on the mayor to take concrete steps to protect Jewish New Yorkers.
"Your job is not commentator-in-chief," Goldberg writes. "Mayor Mamdani, I am tired of horror after the fact."
Goldberg, who serves on the Teaneck Township Council, also emphasizes that her criticism comes from someone who understands the responsibilities of elected office.
"I know what it means when residents come before government and tell us they are afraid," she writes. "Our responsibility is not to tell them their fear and experiences are wrong."
The piece concludes with Goldberg offering to meet with Mamdani and his administration to discuss ways to improve Jewish safety.
"I publicly offer a public open meeting with Mayor Mamdani and his team to offer any help that will keep Jewish New Yorkers safe, and by extension mine," she writes. "Name the time and place and let's get to work."
Goldberg ends with a line familiar to anyone who has sat through a municipal meeting: "The ball is in your court Mr. Mayor. Motion to adjourn."
