February 5, 2026 NEW YORK CITY is currently a house divided. On Thursday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani ignited a firestorm by appointing Phylisa Wisdom to lead the Office to Combat Antisemitism—a move that has critics questioning if the city is actually serious about protecting its Jewish residents or simply playing politics with their safety.

The Numbers Don't Lie

This appointment comes at a time of unprecedented crisis. Last month, antisemitic incidents in the five boroughs surged by a staggering 182% compared to January 2025. With the city on edge, many expected a "law and order" veteran to take the helm. Instead, they got Wisdom.

A Divisive Track Record

Wisdom, the former executive director of the New York Jewish Agenda (NYJA), is no stranger to the spotlight. While her supporters call her a "bridge-builder," her resume is a red flag for others. Under her leadership, the NYJA:

• Opposed the ADL: She slammed the Anti-Defamation League’s "Mamdani Monitor"—a tool designed to keep the current administration's Jewish policies in check—calling it "dangerous and divisive."

• Clashed over Israel: While condemning the Oct. 7 attacks, Wisdom’s former organization was among the first to call for a halt to military responses in Gaza as early as November 2023.

• The Definition Dispute: Perhaps most controversially, Wisdom has been accused of opposing the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism.

"The leader of the Office to Combat Antisemitism must understand a basic truth. Israel cannot be bifurcated from Judaism," says Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. "Ms. Wisdom’s opposition to the IHRA definition... calls that understanding into question."

The "Mamdani Way" vs. The City Council

The appointment has created a visible rift between the Mayor’s Office and the City Council. While Mamdani’s team focuses on "liaisons and education," City Council Speaker Julie Menin isn't waiting around. She has launched a separate Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, led by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, specifically to drive legislative action where many feel the Mayor is stalling.

A "Powerful Voice" or a Polarizing Choice?

Despite the backlash, the Mayor is standing his ground. He calls Wisdom a "respected leader" who will work "day in and day out" to root out hate. City Comptroller Mark Levine echoed this, praising her as "smart, open-minded, and collaborative."

However, for organizations like the ADL, the jury is still out. They’ve expressed "serious concerns" about whether the office can effectively protect the community under Wisdom’s leadership without "exception or qualification."

As hate crimes continue to climb, New Yorkers are left wondering: Is Phylisa Wisdom the fresh perspective the city needs, or is this appointment a gamble that NYC’s Jewish community can’t afford to lose?