New York Jewish Leaders Defend Letitia James’s Record on Antisemitism

New York Jewish community leaders defended Attorney General Letitia James’s responsiveness to antisemitism as Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy challenged her record ahead of the November 3 election. Newly published interviews revealed support for the Democratic incumbent alongside concern about Jewish voters’ security and interest in her opponent’s message. Mark Treyger, chief executive of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, described James as accessible to the community. He recalled her changing her statewide schedule to support an Ethiopian-Israeli business owner in Harlem facing anti-Israel hostility, then following up personally. James’s campaign rejected the challenger’s criticism and said she had worked alongside Jewish communities throughout her career. Binyamin Krauss, principal of SAR Academy in the Bronx, rejected the characterization that James ignores antisemitism. “That’s not my experience,” he said. Krauss said James visited the school the previous week and spoke with students, while stressing that he was not endorsing a candidate. Rabbi Elie Weinstock of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach described Jewish voters’ unease about antisemitism and their desire for assurances of support. Moshe Davis, who led the New York City mayor’s antisemitism office under Eric Adams, said Komatireddy’s message could appeal to Jewish voters. He also described James as consistently present for Jewish New Yorkers. Phylisa Wisdom, who heads the current mayor’s antisemitism office, defended James’s longstanding advocacy and use of her office’s powers. The assessments set out differing communal views before voters choose between the incumbent and her Republican opponent on Tuesday.