Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has appointed Phylisa Wisdom as executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, his administration announced February 4, in a move it framed as advancing a citywide commitment to confronting antisemitism and other forms of hate across New York City.
The Mayor’s Press Office said the appointment comes at a time of rising antisemitism and is intended to lead efforts to confront hate and protect Jewish New Yorkers. According to the announcement, Wisdom will direct the office’s work across all five boroughs.
“I am thrilled to welcome Phylisa Wisdom as executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Phylisa is a respected leader and powerful voice in the fight against antisemitism in New York City, Albany and across the country. Day in and day out, across all five boroughs, we will work together to root out antisemitism and build a New York City where Jewish New Yorkers are safe, respected, and free.”
Wisdom, described in the announcement as the incoming executive director, said she was taking on the role at what she called a pivotal moment for the Jewish community.
“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 in the statement. “New York City has long been a beacon of hope for the Jewish community. We will continue to ensure that Jewish safety and belonging remains at the core of this administration’s vision for a more livable city.”
Wisdom added that she looked forward to “embracing this solemn responsibility — both to represent the diverse array of Jewish voices to City Hall in this critical moment, and to demonstrate the power of pluralistic democracy in the greatest city in the world.”
The administration said the appointment reflects its broader pledge to confront antisemitism and all forms of hate citywide. The Mayor’s Press Office did not detail Wisdom’s prior roles or a start date in the portion of the announcement provided. According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Wisdom has led the progressive Jewish advocacy group New York Jewish Agenda since 2023 and is set to officially start in the role on February 23.
