Nearly every member of the New York City Council will be on the ballot this month — including some lefties who’ve blamed Israel for Hamas’ terrorist attacks and made other hateful comments about the Jewish state.
Leading the anti-Israel invective are five progressives — including three card-carrying members of the Democratic Socialists of America.
All face token Republican opposition, or none at all, and are expected to cruise to re-election on Nov. 7.
Before Israeli blood was even dry, members such as Tiffany Caban, a Queens socialist, were calling for a ceasefire.
Shahana Hanif, a Brooklyn socialist, blamed Israelis for their own deaths.
When they weren’t spewing hate, some members were being arrested in anti-Israeli parades where many chanted things like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” — widely understood as a call for genocide against Jews — and held pro-jihad signs reading “No, I do not condemn Hamas.”
Other far-left council members refused to support statements condemning antisemitism.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola, a Queens Republican, said she is disappointed but not surprised by her colleagues’ behavior.
“We have been putting up with their double standards and hypocrisy for two years,” she said. “Are we going to re-live Kristallnacht? We have to put an end to hatred, and it has to start with members of the council.”
Shahana Hanif (DSA, Democrat, Working Families)
Brooklyn District 39 (Kensington, Boro Park, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill)
“The root cause of this war is the illegal, immoral, and unjust occupation of the Palestinian people. The Occupation has brought violence toward Israelis and Palestinians for over 75 years. There will be no peace unless the rights of all people in this region are respected.” — Oct. 13
“The rampant anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic sentiment we’re witnessing in our City, and across the country, is fueling violence against our neighbors,” — Nov. 1
Hanif was arrested at a pro-Hamas protest sponsored by the DSA.
She voted against a council resolution to establish an “End Jew Hatred Day” in New York City.
She faces Republican Arkadiusz Tomaszewski in the general election.
Tiffany Caban (DSA, Democrat, Working Families)
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Queens District 22 (Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside)
“Nothing can free everyday Israelis from danger and fear unless it also frees everyday Palestinians from oppression and occupation.” — Oct. 8
“I feel mounting fear that the conditions for genocide in Gaza are developing. The US must do everything in its power to secure an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation.” — Oct. 11
Caban faces Republican Kelly Klingman in the general election.
Alexa Avilés (DSA, Democrat, Working Families)
Brooklyn District 38 (Red Hook, Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights)
“Palestinian terror and grief has to be acknowledged. They too are part of our New York City community. Let’s stop dehumanizing and remember our collective humanity.” — Oct. 13
Avilés abstained on the City Council resolution to condemn Jewish hate. She faces Republican Paul Rodriguez in the general election.
Chi Osse (Democrat, Working Families)
Brooklyn District 36 (Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights)
“Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and its dominion over the Gaza Strip, now 56 years old, are the primary root of the violence . . . The Palestinian movement for national liberation is legitimate. It is a movement I support and endorse.” — Oct. 9
Osse is running in the general election unopposed.
Sandy Nurse (Democrat, Working Families)
Brooklyn District 37 (Cypress Hills, Bushwick, Brownsville, East New York)
“I condemn violence against and kidnapping of any civilians, collective punishment, military, occupation, and apartheid — it will never bring peace” — Oct. 7
Nurse voted against the resolution to establish a day dedicated to ending antisemitism in New York City. She faces GOPer Isaiah Orlando Vega in the general election.
