Our Bureau
New York
At a moment of heightened concern over rising antisemitism across the city and the nation, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced the appointment of Phylisa Wisdom as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. The appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to confronting antisemitism and all forms of hate while ensuring the safety, dignity, and belonging of Jewish New Yorkers across all five boroughs.
“Phylisa Wisdom is a respected leader and a powerful voice in the fight against antisemitism in New York City, Albany, and across the country,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Day in and day out, we will work together to root out antisemitism and build a city where Jewish New Yorkers are safe, respected, and free. I am thrilled to welcome her to this role at such a critical time.”
Wisdom assumes the post as incidents of antisemitism continue to rise, prompting renewed calls for coordinated citywide action, stronger prevention strategies, and deeper community engagement. The Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism is tasked with leading these efforts, working across city agencies, communities, and institutions to address hate crimes, strengthen education and awareness, and ensure accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to take on this role in Mayor Mamdani’s administration at a truly pivotal moment for the Jewish community,” Wisdom said. “New York City has long been a beacon of hope for Jewish life. We must ensure that Jewish safety and belonging remain at the core of this administration’s vision for a more livable city. In a time of rising hatred and fear, I look forward to embracing this solemn responsibility—both to represent the diverse array of Jewish voices to City Hall and to demonstrate the power of pluralistic democracy in the greatest city in the world.”
Wisdom most recently served as Executive Director of the New York Jewish Agenda (NYJA), where she led advocacy efforts to advance the values and priorities of Jewish New Yorkers in state and local policy, politics, and public discourse. In that role, she successfully pushed for legislation in Albany aimed at combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and testified before the New York City Council in support of increased funding for hate crime prevention initiatives.
Her career reflects a deep engagement with public service, civic leadership, and coalition building. Wisdom has worked extensively in advocacy through the Union for Reform Judaism’s Religious Action Center and has served as a staff member, board member, adviser, and volunteer across local and national political efforts. She is also a former elected member of the Brooklyn Democratic County Committee.
In addition to her work on antisemitism and civil rights, Wisdom brings significant experience in education policy and advocacy. Her work has included advancing educational equity, supporting literacy intervention in public elementary schools, addressing COVID-era learning loss, and promoting fairness for students in nonpublic schools. She began her professional journey as anAN educator, working directly with students with special educational needs.
Her international experience further distinguishes her background. Wisdom helped establish educational intervention centers in Melbourne, Australia, and Tokyo, Japan, reflecting a global perspective on education and social policy. She later worked in public affairs at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, where she supported youth anti-violence initiatives and efforts to improve LGBTQ+ public health outcomes.
Wisdom studied at California State University and earned a master’s degree in public policy from King’s College London, combining academic training with hands-on experience across education, health, and advocacy sectors.
The appointment drew widespread praise from elected officials and community leaders across the political and religious spectrum. Congressman Jerry Nadler welcomed the news, expressing confidence in Wisdom’s ability to bring diverse communities together and safeguard Jewish New Yorkers. New York City Comptroller Mark Levine described her as consistently thoughtful, collaborative, and well-suited to lead the office at a time when its work is “more critical than ever.”
State Senator Liz Krueger highlighted Wisdom’s ability to navigate the diversity of New York City’s Jewish community, noting that her leadership would strengthen the city’s response to antisemitism while fostering unity. Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander called the appointment a smart and timely choice, praising Wisdom’s commitment to justice, dignity, and bridge-building across lines of difference.
Religious leaders also voiced strong support. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, said the city needs an experienced and respected leader to guide a robust response to frequent antisemitic incidents, adding that Wisdom brings years of relationship-building and strategic leadership. Rabbi Bob Kaplan of JCRC-NY and Rabbi Rachel Timoner of Congregation Beth Elohim both emphasized Wisdom’s moral clarity, compassion, and deep love for the Jewish community.
As Executive Director, Wisdom will be charged with shaping a comprehensive citywide strategy to confront antisemitism, working closely with law enforcement, educators, faith leaders, and community organizations. Her appointment signals a renewed focus on prevention, protection, and partnership—grounded in the belief that combating antisemitism is inseparable from the broader fight against hate and intolerance.
With this leadership transition, the Mamdani administration has made clear that addressing antisemitism is not only a policy priority but a moral imperative, central to New York City’s identity as a diverse, inclusive, and pluralistic global capital.
