The city ad pushed by Jews for Racial and Economic Justice featured a quartet of social justice rabbis urging support for Zohran Mamdani, and it has sparked criticism about judgment, affiliations, and community safety. One featured rabbi, Abby Stein, has a history of high-profile protests and disputed international appearances that opponents say raise concerns. The other rabbis highlighted in the spot have long records of left-leaning activism and public comments that some see as out of step with mainstream Jewish institutions. This article walks through who spoke in the ad, what they have said and done, and why those details matter in a tight mayoral race.
The ad was promoted to encourage Jewish voters to back Zohran Mamdani in the final stretch of the New York City mayoral election. It presented the rabbis as moral voices aligned with progressive priorities and framed voting for Mamdani as consistent with those values. The group behind the ad has been a lightning rod for criticism from more traditional community leaders who argue the messaging misreads local concerns.
Rabbi Abby Stein, identified in the ad and known for outspoken activism, drew headlines after disrupting a White House Pride Month event to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. Stein and another protester were eventually escorted out after interrupting Jill Biden’s remarks, an episode Stein later described in an article for “Autostraddle.” That moment crystallized how some see her activism: confrontational and willing to hijack public forums.
Stein’s other public moments have amplified worry among critics. She reportedly appeared at an event during the United Nations General Assembly that aired on Iranian state television alongside officials such as Masoud Pezeshkian, an appearance that came just days before Tehran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel amid the country’s offensive in Gaza. Opponents point to that timing and the optics of sharing a platform with hostile foreign voices as disqualifying for someone backing a local candidate who must reassure a diverse city.
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The same event reportedly included attendees from Neturei Karta, a small ultra-orthodox group known for opposing the existence of an Israeli state, which adds another layer of controversy. Critics say such associations matter because they can signal tolerance for viewpoints that most New Yorkers reject. Supporters counter that engagement and dialogue are different from endorsement, but that distinction is not persuasive to everyone.
Other rabbis in the ad include Emily Cohen, Miriam Grossman and Rachel Goldenberg, each with public records of activism tied to social justice causes. Cohen’s background lists everything from baking challah with preschoolers to guiding teens on wilderness treks to adult education on Judaism and social justice, portraying a pastoral activist profile. Her social media posts from the 2020 George Floyd protests describe how she positioned herself between protesters and police, writing that she hoped officers’ “racism and sexism” would prevent escalation, a line that has divided opinion.
Grossman, another featured rabbi, has pushed progressive interpretations of Jewish law in sermons, famously saying that Jewish “texts and traditions permit abortion and sometimes even require it” and noting that “pregnant people aren’t necessarily all women.” She has also criticized energy projects for their impact on Native communities, writing that those communities have “suffered (and persisted” under centuries of “environmental racism.” Those positions reflect a theology and politics that are unapologetically left wing.
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Queens-area rabbi Rachel Goldenberg is the founder of Malkhut, which bills itself as a progressive Jewish spiritual community focused on ecstatic music, contemplative prayer and social justice work. Goldenberg and others in the ad have spoken about making the Jewish community more open to the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, a stance that many pro-Israel critics characterize as antisemitic. That posture on BDS and theology fuels the argument that these endorsements are out of harmony with concerns about communal security and interfaith relations.
For voters weighing endorsements in a close race, these details about who appears in campaign messaging matter. From hijacked White House moments to controversial international appearances and public support for divisive movements, the rabbis in this ad represent a particular strain of activism. Conservatives argue the city needs leaders and allies who prioritize law, safety and clear support for allies abroad, and they see this advertisement as a signal that those priorities could be overlooked.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.