New York City Mayor hopefuls clashed in a heated exchange over allegations of antisemitism after former Governor Andrew Cuomo targeted several candidates, including Comptroller Brad Lander, as being “disciples” of the anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America. Cuomo claimed that some major New York City politicians were supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.
In response, Lander called out Cuomo for his own alleged history of antisemitism, saying he was “trying to score points with the Jewish community” during a speech at the West Side Institutional Synagogue. Lander claimed that Cuomo had previously made derogatory comments about Jewish people.
A spokesperson for Lander’s campaign denied Cuomo’s characterization of their policies, stating that they never divested from Israel bonds and have invested in Israeli companies instead. Cuomo’s campaign also fired back, highlighting his record on supporting the Jewish community and combating hate crimes.
The exchange highlights the deep divisions within New York City’s Democratic Party ahead of the mayoral primary. As the candidates continue to jockey for position, Lander’s accusation that Cuomo is “weaponizing antisemitism” has sparked a heated debate over the former governor’s record on the issue.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/04/02/us-news/lander-slams-fellow-nyc-mayoral-candidate-cuomo-in-fiery-synagogue-speech-he-doesnt-get-to-tell-me-how-to-be-jewish