Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hatred that begins with the Jewish people never ends there. Anyone who hates Israel and the Jews will not hesitate to turn that same rage against Christians, families and every American who dares to live by faith and stand for freedom. Here in New York, a state with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, antisemitism is not rare — it’s all too common. Yet the political establishment too often turns a blind eye.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, has a history of anti-Israel rhetoric. His Not On My Dime bill, which sought to sever the city’s ties with Israeli companies, was more than a cheap stunt — it was a direct strike at the Jewish people’s ties to Israel. Despite his record, the Democratic Party did nothing to hold him accountable. Silence speaks volumes.
Mamdani is not alone. Rashida Tlaib openly calls Israel an apartheid state and champions the boycott movement, while Ilhan Omar recycles antisemitic tropes about Jewish money and loyalty. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stands with protesters who chant, “Globalize the intifada,” yet ignores the growing harassment of Jewish students on campuses she claims to represent. None of these members face real consequences from their party’s leadership.
Look across the Atlantic, and we see where this kind of tolerance leads. In cities like Bradford, Birmingham, and parts of London, local governments have turned a blind eye to radical protests that make Jewish families feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, dismisses concerns about these protests, while synagogues require armed guards to hold services. A country once known for its heritage now struggles to protect basic religious freedoms.
On college campuses here at home, Jewish students face harassment, threats and even physical assaults for expressing pride in their heritage. Harvard, Columbia and NYU have all seen pro-Israel students targeted, with university groups blaming Israel outright for regional conflicts. Meanwhile, Christian pastors who support Israel face slurs and vandalism, and churches holding vigils for Israeli victims have been defaced.
During a debate, a Democratic committee chair responded dismissively to a colleague’s call for more action against antisemitism. I stood up and pointed out that I had introduced nine bills to protect Jewish students, houses of worship and families — yet none were allowed out of committee. That’s the truth we face: empty words from Democrats who don’t really care to act.
History teaches us that hatred excused today will target all faiths tomorrow. The rage that shouts “From the river to the sea!” against Israel will soon turn on churches and every American family that refuses to bow to radical hatred.
This is not about party politics — it’s about whether we have the courage to confront hate before it turns violent. Generations of Jewish families know that promises alone never protected us. Israel exists because our people learned that when no one else will stand up for you, you stand up for yourself. The same lesson applies here at home. If Israel falls, if Jewish families are silenced, then no church, no faith community, no free citizen is safe.
I stand for the truth that religious freedom and national security are non-negotiable. I will fight for laws that protect synagogues, churches, schools and families of every faith. I will challenge any colleague — Democrat or Republican — who tries to water that down or bury it for the sake of the next news cycle.
Hatred that starts with Israel and the Jews does not stop until it tears at the core of who we are as Americans. Families — Jewish, Christian, and every neighbor who still believes in freedom — expect leaders who will hold the line. They expect us to speak plainly and act firmly when hate knocks at the door.
The next generation is watching. They will remember who spoke up and who looked away. They will inherit whatever we fail to confront. I do not intend to fail them.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
