James Draws Jewish Backing Against Komatireddy's Antisemitism Critique

New York State hosts the largest Jewish population in the United States, making the state attorney general race a focal point for community leaders ahead of the Tuesday election. Letitia James, the incumbent who has held the office since 2019, is receiving endorsements from prominent figures in the Jewish community. These leaders are responding to specific criticisms from Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy regarding the handling of antisemitism.

Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor with more than a decade of experience, argues that rising hate crime reports require stronger intervention from the state. She contends that district attorneys, who typically prosecute these offenses, have failed to stop the increase in incidents. James’ campaign rejects this view, stating that the attorney general has consistently supported Jewish New Yorkers and pursued those who target them.

Mark Treyger, chief executive of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, cited specific instances of James’ responsiveness. He pointed to the support provided to Tsion Cafe, a Harlem establishment owned by an Ethiopian-Israeli woman that faced anti-Israel backlash. Treyger told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that James altered her statewide schedule to visit the cafe, offered assistance, and personally followed up on the situation.

James’ ties to Jewish communities date back to her time as a City Council member, when her district included parts of Crown Heights. In October, the Crown Heights United PAC formally endorsed her. At a press conference last week, outgoing U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler and City Council Speaker Julie Menin joined six other Jewish Democratic officials in endorsing James.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal highlighted James’ actions against housing discrimination affecting Hasidic families in Orange County. He also referenced her pursuit of a Rockland County car wash that overcharged Orthodox Jews. Menin pointed to James’ annual participation in the Israel Day Parade as evidence of her support during difficult periods for the community.

Komatireddy has pledged to declare a state of emergency over antisemitism upon taking office. James told JTA that only the governor possesses that authority. When asked to explain the discrepancy, Komatireddy clarified that she meant invoking a law allowing the attorney general to prosecute hate crimes when a district attorney has been ineffective. She also proposed using existing civil rights law to establish buffer zones around Jewish schools and synagogues.

Moshe Davis, who led the mayor’s office to combat antisemitism under Eric Adams, predicted that Komatireddy’s message could draw voters away from James. He described James as a longstanding friend of Jewish New Yorkers, though he noted that her response might not be characterized as ignoring antisemitism. An October Siena poll showed James leading 54 percent to 39 percent, with a six-point advantage in New York City’s suburbs.

Rabbi Elie Weinstock of Long Island’s Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach said anxiety about antisemitic incidents is shaping voter concerns. He suggested that opposition to Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could benefit Komatireddy. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue clarified that his welcome to Komatireddy in an October video was not an endorsement and occurred during winter or spring.

Komatireddy also faced questions about photographs she posted with members of a Black Hebrew Israelite church that has expressed antisemitic views. She told JTA the encounter in Rochester was unplanned and that she rejected the group’s views after learning about them. Binyamin Krauss, principal of SAR Academy, disputed the portrayal of James as inattentive to antisemitism, citing her support after two men were stabbed on Manhattan’s Upper West Side over the summer.