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Jewish Organizations Call for Reconsideration of Mayor’s Judicial Advisory Panel

Local groups express concern over the absence of Jewish members on the 18-person committee tasked with recommending judicial nominees.

By Staff ReportPublished Jul 29, 2026, 2:27 PMUpdated Aug 3, 2026, 11:29 PM
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration is facing mounting pressure from Jewish community organizations following the announcement of an 18-member advisory committee tasked with vetting judicial nominations. Critics have pointed to the absence of any Jewish members on the panel as a point of contention, with local Jewish bar associations formally requesting that the mayor reconsider the committee's makeup.

In a letter addressed to the administration, the bar associations characterized the lack of representation as a "troubling pattern" that contributes to feelings of marginalization among Jewish New Yorkers. Scott Richman, the regional director for the ADL in New York and New Jersey, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the administration needs to take tangible steps to address the concerns of the Jewish community.

"He needs to take a hard look at the actions that he's taking and engage in something tangible to show that he is addressing the concerns of the Jewish community," Richman stated, describing the current situation as a "step backwards."

The committee is chaired by Ali Najmi, who served as the mayor’s election lawyer. When asked about the panel's composition, a spokesperson for the Mamdani administration denied that the selection process was influenced by religious considerations. The spokesperson noted that the administration had considered retired judge John Leventhal for a position on the committee but ultimately decided against his appointment.

According to the administration, the decision to exclude Leventhal was based on his previous role as a member of the legal team for Ghislaine Maxwell, rather than his religious background. The mayor’s office has maintained that the administration remains committed to serving all residents of the city.

The controversy arrives during a period of heightened sensitivity regarding antisemitism in the city, including recent reports of violent incidents and ongoing public discourse surrounding the mayor's previous political rhetoric regarding international figures. As of late July 2026, both the ADL and local bar associations continue to urge the mayor to revisit the committee's appointments to ensure broader representation.

Where it happened

New York City

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