Chair Salaam and MOCA debate broader definition of antisemitism
Chair Salaam pushes for NYC to lead in expanding the definition of antisemitism to include all Semitic peoples. Wisdom responds that the term is widely understood as anti-Jewish hatred and that the administration combats all forms of hate across offices, with no form privileged above another. Salaam suggests more inclusion is needed.
No, I definitely appreciate that.
I think that especially in a place like New York City, the most diverse place in the world, there definitely is an opportunity for us to be able to pull
that reality into the broader meaning of anti-Semitism.
Because of course those folks who are here are saying to themselves, hold on, I'm of Semitic origin as well.
I speak Semitic languages, how come I'm not included?
And I think that to exclude them causes greater division.
Right?
Especially when we want to be able to, you know, I'm looking at what's going on around the world and the fact that countries have been able to begin tolerance.
I don't want to say experiments, but they've been doing tolerance exercises.
It's been really, really great.
And I think America, specifically New York City, has an opportunity to really be a leader in that particular space.
Thank you.
And I have colleagues in the room who I'm sure will talk when it's time.
We're not colleagues, community organizations, so I'm sure we'll talk about the definitions of those terms when it comes time for public testimony.
The Mamdani administration does understand the term anti-Semitism to be related particularly to the Jewish community, but also sees a responsibility to combat all forms of hate in solidarity with each other,
no form of hate privileged above another when it comes to the focus and investment.
As you heard, $26 million additional dollars to the Office for Prevention of Hate Crimes, which is charged with prevention and combating hate across all identities in New York City.
And we're very excited to be partnering with them and with the Office of Faith Partnerships, NYPD, CCHR, anyone who has a very broad purview and portfolio to combat hate.
And that work is ongoing and taken very seriously.
Well, I can say this.
As the chair to the Committee to Combat Hate, I do know that initially when we first started our hearings,
the overwhelming sentiment was this was specifically only going to be talking about
anti-Semitism as been understood by the broader definition of anti-Jewish hate.
And of course, you know, as the chair, I'm supremely aware of my responsibility.
And also being able to have the melting pot, that kaleidoscope of the human family really being represented here, especially in city council.
So maybe there's more to do and more to include as well.