Brad Lander proposed "a union of anti-Zionists and progressive Zionists" during a speech at a left-leaning Jewish gathering, where he was being recognized alongside the leading candidate for New York City mayor.Zohran Mamdani.
Lander, the city's financial officer, who supported Mamdani in the primary by endorsing him as well, also mentioned that he felt he could have done more in condemning Israel regarding the conflict in Gaza. He made these comments during a dinner event organized by a progressive organization.Jews for Race and Economic Justice, which has intensified its support for Palestine throughout the almost two-year conflict.
"Although I have attempted to gather the necessary bravery, although I urged a ceasefire with JFREJ on Hanukkah 2023, and although I have stood alongside Israelis for peace on multiple occasions, I want to make it clear — I recognize that I have not done enough to voice my opposition to Israel's war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and the forced starvation of Palestinians," Lander stated, receiving strong applause from a crowd of over 1,000 people.
Lander's remarks stood out due to the underlying tensions within the Jewish progressive community regarding Israel before the mayoral election. Mamdani has long been a critic of Israel, whereas Lander describes himself as a liberal Zionist who has avoided making some of the strongest criticisms against Israel. This difference has been an uncommon point of agreement between the two politicians, who both have a progressive outlook for the city's future.
Lander stated that he thought the two groups could collaborate for the greater good — although he recognized that it can be challenging.
"I think we need to form a coalition of anti-Zionists and liberal Zionists who are determined to put an end to the suffering in Gaza," he stated, adding that his synagogue, Kolot Chayeinu in Brooklyn, has been a regular gathering place for Jews associated with the anti-Zionist organization.Jewish Voice for Peaceand the liberal Zionist organization J Street.
Lately, it has been one of the various progressive Jewish communities affected by internal conflicts since the war erupted following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
I've frequently joked that Kolot is a place where JVP Jews and J Street Jews come together in prayer with just a little bit of side-eye. Historically, JFREJ has also been similar," Lander said. "But since October 7th, this has become much more challenging. As Ezra Klein recently noted, 'It's a tense time in the Jewish family group chats.' However, it has never been more crucial.
Lander's remarks were made as JFREJ recognized him and Mamdani with a shared "Mazals" award, acknowledging their "partnership and the hope and optimism they have sparked." Although the organization does not officially endorse Zionism, anti-Israel (and anti-Trump) messages were clearly visible at the Brooklyn event, such as "Jews say: No genocide, No deportations, No anti-trans hate," and "Arms embargo now," along with more general statements like "New York is for everyone" and "Care not corruption."
Brad Lander has not characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as 'genocide'
In contrast to other speakers, such as Mamdani and the Jewish comedian and "Broad City" co-creator Ilana Glazer, Lander did not characterize Israel's actions in Gaza as a "genocide." He has stated that he avoids using the term, which Israel considers incorrect, because "it shuts down conversations instead of encouraging them."
Mamdani, on the other hand, described his primary win as "a message that many in this city are deeply disturbed by the genocide carried out by the Israeli military in Gaza, and by the violence caused by weapons funded by our tax money as Americans." (Polls indicate that voters were mainly influenced by other matters, although 30% of voters stated that Mamdani's views on Israel made them more inclined to support him).
He praised the JFREJ members, stating, "Being here tonight truly feels like being with family."
"I'm extremely proud of the movement we've developed together, not due to our numbers, but because of the principles that unite us," Mamdani stated. He then outlined several of these principles, highlighting empathy and a commitment to affordability, before ending with his perspective on the issue he considers fundamental to his political stance.
"And we share a belief in the equal worth of every individual on this planet, without any exceptions, and a rejection of setting boundaries when it comes to the lives of Palestinians," Mamdani stated.
If Lander has been facing pressure from progressives regarding his views on Israel, gala attendees stated they were unaware of it.
I don't believe that," said Marcia Belsky, a member of JFREJ who organized the Zoom segment of the event, in response to the question. "I consider him an intriguing individual, as he defines himself as a liberal Zionist, yet he is strongly vocal in opposing the genocide in Gaza and supporting those who refuse to conform to the narratives that mainstream media consistently imposes on them.
Rabbi Andy Kahn, who serves as the executive director of the American Council for Judaism—a Reform anti-Zionist organization that has recently been re-established—mentioned that he had not come across anyone claiming that Lander had not spoken sufficiently about Israel or Gaza.
"I genuinely haven't come across that critique about him, and I haven't experienced it either," Kahn mentioned.
Like he mentioned, he was out advocating for a ceasefire in 2023," he added, noting that Lander has been "engaged in this work for a very long time with genuine intent.
Lander expanded on his remarks during an interview after the event, referencing a recent opinion piece in which theMember of the Knesset from the Arab-Israeli community, Ayman Odehmentioned that he had not done enough to prevent the conflict.
I mean, none of us have done enough. An atrocity is happening in our name," Lander stated. "If there's any hope for democracy in Israel, Ayman Odeh embodies it. And if he could find a way to keep supporting the families of hostages, recognize the suffering that Jewish families are going through, speak strongly for his community, and then say, 'I haven't done enough to condemn and stop these atrocities' — well, the least I can do is say that.
The JFREJ gathering occurred amid growing rumors regarding Lander's future following the conclusion of his term as comptroller in December. His strong backing of Mamdani, along with his extensive history in public service, has led to hopes that he might end up in City Hall should Mamdani be elected.
However, this week, a survey revealed Lander easily defeating Rep. Dan Goldman in a primary race for New York's 10th Congressional District. Goldman has yet to support Mamdani, stating he wishes to observe "tangible actions" to ease concerns among Jewish residents.
I have nothing to say about my future plans," Lander stated. "I still have a few more months in my role as comptroller, and I'm considering how I can best contribute at this time.