Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is finding himself on the defensive Thursday as backlash grows over his refusal to denounce the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada” — a phrase which incites violence against Jews. Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens and avowed democratic socialist, struggled to clarify his position at a press conference, offering a vague and at times meandering defense. “These words have different meanings for many different people,” Mamdani said, pivoting to affordability issues and insisting he opposed “any incitement of violence.” But his remarks did little to quell the controversy.

Earlier this morning, the New York Court of Appeals issued its decision in the litigation challenging the State Education Department regulations.   While we believe that the Appellate Division’s decision should have been reversed, the Court of Appeals’ affirmance is based on an interpretation of the regulations that severely limits the State Education Department’s authority over yeshivas and yeshiva parents. SED cannot take the enforcement actions that it had previously announced.

Says SED Is Not Authorized to Close Yeshivas or Require Parents to Unenroll Their Children from Yeshivas of Their Choice The New York Court of Appeals issued its long-awaited decision in the litigation challenging the State Education Department regulations. While the court disappointingly upheld the lower court decision in form, it did so in practice by limiting the State Education Department’s authority over yeshivas and yeshiva parents. Specifically, the Court of Appeals instructed that SED is not authorized to close yeshivas and is not authorized to direct parents to unenroll their children from the yeshiva they chose for them.

New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents on Tuesday at an immigration court in Lower Manhattan while escorting an individual out of a courtroom at 26 Federal Plaza. According to reports, Lander was observing immigration hearings and had stated his intention to “accompany” individuals exiting the courthouse to prevent their detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While walking arm-in-arm with a man whose immigration case had reportedly been dismissed pending appeal, Lander was approached by federal agents, some wearing masks and tactical vests. Videos show Lander repeatedly asking to see a judicial warrant as agents attempted to separate him from the individual.

The New York City Police Department announced late Thursday night that it is deploying additional resources to Jewish and Israeli locations across the city, citing an “abundance of caution” in the wake of Israeli strikes targeting Iran. While officials stress that there are currently no credible threats to the city or its residents, both law enforcement and Jewish security organizations are urging increased vigilance, particularly ahead of Shabbos. The NYPD says it is closely coordinating with federal agencies and will continue monitoring for any developments that may affect security in New York. “We are deploying additional resources to ensure the safety of sensitive sites throughout the city,” the department said in a statement.

A group of approximately 200 young Black teens has been reported gathering on Eastern Parkway, Nostrand Avenue, and Troy Avenue in Crown Heights, with some described as “looking for trouble” and many wearing masks. Sources tell YWN that the NYPD and Crown Heights Shomrim are responding with significant resources to ensure community safety. An NYPD helicopter is also monitoring the situation from above. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911 and Crown Heights Shomrim at 718-774-3333. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

With the New York City Democratic mayoral primary just two weeks away on June 24, 2025, the race is in full swing, and the Jewish community—particularly the frum (Orthodox) segment—is emerging as a key player. Early voting begins June 14, and with Jews, including liberal Jews, comprising approximately 16% of eligible voters in this Democrat-only primary, according to a recent poll, community organizations are making their voices heard on who should lead the city next. The Candidates in Focus Here’s a look at the key contenders and the concerns surrounding them: NOTE: Many people do not realize that this is just the PRIMARY. Mayor Eric Adams is not running in this election, as he is running as an Independent in the general election.

Senior NYPD leadership and Hatzalah coordinators from across New York City gathered on Monday for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening emergency response and communication between the two vital organizations. The meeting, hosted by NYPD Transportation under the leadership of Chief Obe, brought together top officials from Highway Patrol, Traffic Control, and other emergency service divisions alongside Hatzalah coordinators and police liaisons from Williamsburg, Boro Park, Staten Island, Queens, Far Rockaway, and Manhattan. Also present were the chiefs of the NYPD’s Highway Division and heads of the Collision Investigation Squad (CIS), facilitating deeper relationships with Misaskim and Hatzalah in the process.

Disgraced NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, candidate for Mayor of New York City, today received the endorsement of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC). The FJCC joins the Sephardic Community Federation, Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance, the Bobov community in Borough Park, and Crown Jewish United and the Crown Heights PAC, in backing Cuomo’s bid. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, and I want to thank FJCC Chair Josh Mehlman for his partnership,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our Orthodox community has experienced trauma unlike any other, from surging hate crimes and antisemitism to the unspeakable targeted attacks we saw in Washington, DC and in Denver.

Members of Hewlett’s Jewish community awoke Monday morning to reports of three disturbing incidents that occurred overnight within blocks of the shul and surrounding Jewish homes. The incidents, all of whom took place around 3:00 a.m., have sparked fears of coordinated antisemitic attacks, though details surrounding them remain vague and scant. The first incident involved a fire at Avi’s Auto Repair, where a tow truck parked in the lot was set ablaze, and the flames spread to the office building. Minutes later, ASAP Restoration had its windows smashed. A third incident occurred at the Chesed Center, where a banner bearing anti-Israel and antisemitic messaging was tied to the building’s front gate.