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Cuomo Accuses Mayoral Rivals of Antisemitism, Sparks Fierce Rebuttal
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ignited controversy by labeling several of his political adversaries in the mayoral race as antisemitic “disciples” of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). This accusation drew a sharp rebuke from City Comptroller Brad Lander, the city’s highest-ranking Jewish elected official, who vehemently dismissed Cuomo’s remarks, telling him to “get the f–k out of here” on Wednesday. The heated exchange underscores rising tensions in the mayoral campaign surrounding issues of antisemitism and stances on Israel.
Lander Condemns Cuomo’s “Antisemitic” Accusation
City Comptroller Brad Lander, a fellow contender in the Democratic mayoral primary, responded to Cuomo’s assertion that Lander had initiated the divestment of New York City pension funds from Israel bonds. Cuomo made these claims during a speech at the West Side Institutional Synagogue on Tuesday night, alleging this was the first such action in 50 years.
In Yiddish, Lander retorted to Cuomo: “A beyzer gzar zol er af dir kumen,” which he translated as “roughly translates” to “get the f–k out of here.”
Lander directly challenged Cuomo’s remarks, stating, “Andrew, if you want to question my commitment to my people, say it to my face.”
Cuomo’s Attack on DSA and Mayoral Candidates
The dispute originated when Cuomo criticized the anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a group known for its support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
“Incredibly many major New York City politicians are their disciples,” Cuomo contended. He specifically named State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist recently endorsed by Rashida Tlaib, a member of the progressive “Squad” known for her anti-Israel stance, as a “DSA devotee.”
Accusations Against Adrienne Adams
Cuomo also targeted City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, another mayoral candidate, asserting that she was the “first speaker in the history of New York City to boycott Israel by failing to ever visit Israel.”
Pension Fund Divestment Controversy
Turning his attention to Lander, Cuomo stated, “The DSA charter provides for the disinvestment in Israel. The comptroller of New York City who handles the pension funds, Brad Lander, divested from Israel Bonds for the first time in 50 years.”
Cuomo argued, “Israel bonds was a sign of solidarity and after October 7 many pension funds in the United States bought more Israel funds as a sign of solidarity. This was not the time to disinvest from Israel.”
Lander Accuses Cuomo of “Weaponizing Antisemitism”
However, Lander countered by accusing Cuomo of having an antisemitic history himself. He criticized the former governor for “trying to score points” within the Jewish community by making such accusations during a synagogue address.
“Andrew Cuomo doesn’t get to tell me how to be Jewish,” Lander declared at a press conference on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Lander’s campaign clarified that Cuomo was misrepresenting the comptroller’s policy regarding foreign investments.
“This is a mischaracterization,” the representative stated. “Lander has never divested. It’s a policy of his office to never invest in foreign sovereign debt, but we have more than $400 million in investments in Israeli companies.”
History of NYC Investment in Israel Bonds
New York City’s initial investment in State of Israel bonds was $30 million in 1974, a practice that continued for decades. However, under Lander’s tenure, the city pension funds’ holdings in Israel bonds have decreased to $1.17 million.
Lander’s office previously maintained that New York City pension funds do not directly invest in foreign sovereign debt – which includes bonds from other nations – although some investors have disputed this claim based on past practices of previous comptrollers.
Lander Cites Cuomo’s Past Controversies
Lander accused Cuomo of “weaponizing antisemitism” while simultaneously possessing a “disturbing record” on the issue.
He referenced a lawsuit against the state concerning antisemitism during the COVID-19 pandemic, related to restrictions on religious gatherings under Cuomo’s administration.
Lander also recalled a 2021 New York Times Magazine article detailing an alleged complaint by Cuomo about a campaign event celebrating Sukkot, a Jewish holiday. Cuomo reportedly fumed, “These people and their f–king tree houses.”
Cuomo’s representatives denied this accusation at the time and reiterated the denial on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Cuomo faced criticism in 2018 for mocking the “rhythm” of “our Jewish brothers and sisters” during a speech at a predominantly Black church in Harlem.
Cuomo Campaign Defends Record on Antisemitism
A Cuomo campaign spokesperson responded to Lander’s accusations on Wednesday afternoon.
“The governor passed the strongest hate crime laws in the nation, made this the first state in the nation to ban BDS, developed a model program that delivered millions of dollars in security upgrades for synagogues and yeshivas and when Hamas was firing rockets into Israel, he organized a solidarity mission from New York to show the world that we stand with them,” the spokesperson stated.
“New Yorkers are smart and they know Andrew Cuomo has the record and the experience to best fight this rise of antisemitic hate that has gripped this city.”
Adams Campaign Dismisses Cuomo’s Accusations
A spokesperson for Adrienne Adams’ campaign dismissed Cuomo’s charges, stating, “This is rich coming from an ex-governor who launched a pro-Israel PAC that did nothing but serve him.”
“Division and name-calling might be Andrew Cuomo’s way, but they won’t solve a single New Yorker’s problem. No drama, no scandal – just competence and integrity. That’s how Adrienne leads, and that’s what New York City needs.”
Mamdani Denounces Cuomo’s Remarks
Assemblymember Mamdani, in a statement addressing Cuomo’s remarks, asserted that the former governor “does not care about antisemitism.”
“Andrew Cuomo does not care about public safety. Andrew Cuomo does not care about billionaires rigging the economy—those are his donors,” he added.
“Andrew Cuomo cares about one thing and one thing only: himself. And he’s willing to weaponize any issue, lie about any person, or take advantage of any vulnerable group if he deems it politically convenient.”