I have spent years covering antisemitism, Israel, and Jewish communities. Before New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office, I also attended Jewish communal events at Gracie Mansion.

Those gatherings were not merely ceremonial. They represented a relationship between City Hall and one of the largest Jewish communities outside Israel. Jewish New Yorkers could enter the mayor’s residence as their complete selves, bringing their faith, history, and connection to Israel with them.