NYC Health Dept Staffer Faces Backlash Over Anti-Israel Posts

Resurfaced social media comments spark controversy amid broader scrutiny of city agency

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A veteran New York City Health Department staffer is facing backlash after resurfaced social media posts allegedly show him expressing extreme hostility toward Israelis. According to a report, Achmat Akkad, a community coordinator with the city's Health Department since 2017, wrote on X about a year ago, '1 Israeli left in this world would be one too many!' The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of the department following criticism over an internal 'global oppression' working group meeting that accused Israel of genocide.

Why it matters

The situation highlights concerns about the political views and biases of public employees, especially in sensitive roles, and the potential impact on their ability to serve the diverse communities of New York City. It also raises questions about the city's vetting and oversight processes for hiring and managing staff.

The details

Akkad, 40, confirmed by phone that he works for the Health Department and operated the X account but declined further comment. City records show Akkad was first hired in 2015 under the Human Resources Administration during the de Blasio administration and now earns approximately $65,000 annually in his current role. The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of the department following criticism over an internal 'global oppression' working group meeting that accused Israel of genocide.

  • Akkad's alleged posts were made about a year ago.
  • Akkad's X account was suspended after the posts were captured in screenshots.

The players

Achmat Akkad

A 40-year-old community coordinator with the New York City Health Department since 2017, who is facing backlash over resurfaced social media posts expressing extreme hostility toward Israelis.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who was not involved in Akkad's hiring.

Canary Mission

A watchdog group that reported on and circulated screenshots of Akkad's alleged social media posts.

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What they’re saying

“If this is who gets elevated into city government, what does that say about the leadership elevating him? New Yorkers should be outraged.”

— Canary Mission, Watchdog group (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

The situation continues to draw reaction across social media and political circles, and there have been calls for city and federal investigations into the Health Department's practices.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the political views and biases of public employees, especially in sensitive roles, and the potential impact on their ability to serve diverse communities. It also raises questions about the city's vetting and oversight processes for hiring and managing staff.