NYC Council Establishes Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism

Move comes as Mayor Mamdani faces criticism for delays in addressing rise in antisemitic incidents

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The New York City Council has moved to establish a bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, acting ahead of Mayor Zohran Mamdani who has yet to appoint leadership for his own Office to Combat Antisemitism. The announcement came amid a rise in antisemitic incidents across the city, including a recent attack on the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn.

Why it matters

Antisemitism has become a growing public safety and leadership issue in New York City, with the Council's move highlighting political pressure on City Hall to address the problem. The competing efforts between the Council and Mayor's office reflect the complex dynamics around tackling this challenge.

The details

The Task Force will be co-chaired by Republican Councilmember Inna Vernikov and Democratic Councilmember Eric Dinowitz. In addition, the Council introduced legislation to establish buffer zones around houses of worship to protect congregants from protests. Mayor Mamdani, who visited the Chabad headquarters after the attack, said he plans to announce his own antisemitism task force, but Israel's Consul General in New York expressed skepticism about the Mayor's approach.

  • On January 30, 2026, the New York City Council announced the formation of the bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.
  • The announcement came the same day authorities arrested a New Jersey man accused of repeatedly ramming his vehicle into the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn.

The players

Julie Menin

New York City Council Speaker.

Inna Vernikov

Republican Councilmember who will co-chair the Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.

Eric Dinowitz

Democratic Councilmember who will co-chair the Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.

Zohran Mamdani

Mayor of New York City who has yet to appoint leadership for his own Office to Combat Antisemitism.

Ofir Akunis

Israel's Consul General in New York who expressed skepticism about Mayor Mamdani's approach.

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What they’re saying

“It's now cool to be antisemitic — to attack Jews, to harass Jews, to create a hostile environment.”

— Inna Vernikov, Councilmember (wabcradio.com)

“Kids are afraid of being Jewish in our city.”

— Eric Dinowitz, Councilmember (wabcradio.com)

“I plan to announce my own antisemitism task force and make New York a city where Jewish New Yorkers are not just safe, but celebrated and cherished.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (wabcradio.com)

“Recent policy shifts — including changes to definitions of antisemitism and support for boycott initiatives against Israel — have coincided with an increase in attacks.”

— Ofir Akunis, Israel's Consul General in New York (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the New Jersey man accused of ramming his vehicle into the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The competing efforts between the City Council and Mayor's office highlight the complex and politically charged nature of addressing the rise in antisemitism in New York City, with both sides seeking to take the lead on this critical public safety issue.