NYC Councilwoman Faces Primary Challenge Over Stance on Israel and Antisemitism

NYC Councilwoman Faces Primary Challenge Over Stance on Israel and Antisemitism

Shahana Hanif, a progressive councilwoman representing Park Slope and other neighborhoods in Brooklyn, is facing a primary challenge from Maya Kornberg, a Jewish Democrat. Kornberg is launching her campaign next month and is expected to focus on local issues, but Hanif's stance on Israel and her handling of antisemitism are likely to be a major point of contention.

Hanif has faced criticism for her refusal to publicly condemn Hamas, her endorsement of a call to "globalize the intifada," and her alleged insensitivity to reports of rising antisemitic activity. Jewish community members in her district have raised concerns that she has neglected to speak out against certain incidents of antisemitic vandalism and graffiti.

Hanif's position on Israel and antisemitism came to a head during a private meeting with 16 Jewish leaders in the district. While she confirmed that she does not support Hamas and believes Jews have a right to self-determination, she refused to condemn Hamas or issue a statement recognizing "Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state."

<figure> <img width="498" height="640" alt="" src="https://cdn-ilbdnnh.nitrocdn.com/hleQhLvgRBnCzoVgSuxzcVtkFJtDtGAJ/assets/images/optimized/rev-373a708/jewishinsider.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14050137/Maya-Kornberg-1.jpg"> <figcaption>Maya Kornberg</figcaption> </figure>

The meeting was later the subject of a scathing opinion article in the New York Daily News, in which three Jewish community leaders said their encounter with Hanif left them feeling “abandoned, betrayed and endangered.”

Hanif has since condemned Hamas and antisemitism, but Jewish activists in the district say her recent comments have not been sufficient and are eager to back Kornberg. They argue that Hanif's stance on Israel has sown a pervasive sense of discontent across the district and made Jewish constituents feel unsafe.

While Hanif has a strong base of support in the left-leaning district, Kornberg's challenge could prove formidable. The outcome of the primary could have significant implications for the future of the district and the city's response to antisemitism.