Goldman and Lander spar hard over Israel

DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 57

BRIDGING THE GAP: In the Manhattan primary race, the issue of Israel is creating a significant divide between Rep. Dan Goldman and former city Comptroller Brad Lander. Goldman, facing a tough battle, argues that he and Lander have similar views on this topic.

“We are both progressive Zionists who support Israel’s existence as a Jewish state and a two-state solution for peace,” Goldman stated at a WNYC candidate forum. “It’s frustrating that he’s using divisive tactics when we actually share the same core beliefs.”

Lander, also Jewish and a Democrat, has taken a more critical stance on Israel than Goldman, gaining support from the party’s progressive faction. Lander and his supporters have criticized Goldman for his association with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel group involved in elections and subject to debate as public opinion of Israel declines.

Lander has embraced a strategy of targeting AIPAC in his messaging. “Goldman can’t change the system because he’s part of it, receiving funds from Wall Street, private equity, crypto, and AIPAC,” Lander argued during the forum.

Concerns about criticism of AIPAC have been voiced, with some like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro suggesting that objections to AIPAC spending have been used to unfairly silence political voices. Goldman, endorsed by AIPAC, claims to have returned their money, and no significant spending from AIPAC’s super PAC is expected in the primary.

Despite Goldman’s efforts, Israel remains a key issue. Recently, he released an ad criticizing President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conflict in Iran.

Polling in the district, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is limited. However, an Emerson College survey shows Lander leading Goldman by over 30 points. Lander is supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Working Families Party, and various progressive leaders, while Goldman is backed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and several unions. Goldman also recently gained support from Hasidic leaders in Brooklyn’s Borough Park.

Lander criticized Goldman for voting for every U.S. military aid package to Israel. During a discussion on the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, which both oppose, Goldman agreed with Lander that “Israelis won’t be safe until Palestinians are free,” prompting Lander to challenge, “You don’t do anything to make it happen.”

“I believe in Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, but it’s not upholding these values while occupying the West Bank and Gaza,” Lander stated. “If voters want someone committed to ending this occupation and fostering unity among New Yorkers, the choice is clear.”

The forum largely focused on Israel. When asked about the “Block the Bombs Act,” Goldman said it wouldn’t come to a vote as it supported a ceasefire established last October. He mentioned the need to enforce international law against Netanyahu.

Lander described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” while Goldman emphasized the importance of moving beyond labels to achieve a peaceful two-state solution.

Goldman expressed regret for voting to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib in 2023 over her Israel criticism, acknowledging that emotions sometimes guide decisions.

“This is a highly emotional issue dividing many people, including within the Jewish community,” Goldman remarked. “I believe the critical issues are those directly impacting voters, not just international matters.” — Madison Fernandez

From the Capitol

REDISTRICTING REDUX: New York Democrats plan to introduce bills by Friday to enable new congressional boundaries by 2028, according to insiders.

Two constitutional amendments are being considered: one for minor adjustments and another for a bold Democratic gerrymander, according to informed sources.

The state’s complex constitutional amendment process prevents Democrats from altering House districts before the 2026 midterms. However, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is focusing on his home state’s district lines as part of a broader strategy to gain seats in a closely contested chamber.

“This is crucial for our democracy in the ‘28 elections,” Assemblymember Micah Lasher stated, advocating for mid-decade redistricting. “New York must not be left behind in the redistricting competition.”

Read more from POLITICO Bill Mahoney and Nick Reisman. 

HOCHUL BACKS ALT ROCK BAND: The governor’s office issued an enthusiastic statement today praising a ‘90s rock band.

The announcement, unusual for the governor’s press office, promoted a state-sponsored watch party on Long Island for the U.S. vs. Paraguay World Cup match on June 12, featuring a pregame concert by Third Eye Blind, or 3EB.

“3EB’s participation in star-making often blurred their musical identity,” the governor’s office noted. “Their music continues to evolve, connecting directly with their audience.”

It’s uncertain how the band behind hits like “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Jumper” feels about the governor. In 2016, 3EB’s lead singer criticized the Republican party and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign but has not expressed similar views about New York’s governor.

The statement also highlighted the band’s success during a tumultuous time for the recording industry, noting their ability to adapt and connect with their audience in new ways.

Perhaps 3EB can update its 2000 single “10 Days Late” to inspire lawmakers as they work to finalize the state budget, now nearly two months overdue. — Jason Beeferman

SHARPE SUBMITS: Libertarian Larry Sharpe has filed to run for the “Coalition Party” in this year’s gubernatorial race, aiming to run without major party backing.

The chances of him making the ballot are slim, a reality he acknowledges.

“It doesn’t matter, we’re never going to make it. We’re going to be in lawsuits,” Sharpe said when asked about the number of signatures he collected.

A source familiar with the filing believes Sharpe submitted 1,600 of the required 45,000 signatures.

Third-party candidates face significant challenges in New York since former Gov. Andrew Cuomo increased the signature requirement from 15,000 in 2019. “Bobby Kennedy Jr. spent a million dollars,” Sharpe noted of Kennedy’s 2024 presidential bid. “He’s a Kennedy and couldn’t get on.”

The only other candidate to seek an additional ballot line in November is Bruce Blakeman, who filed for the “Vote Affordable” line alongside his Republican and Conservative bids. His campaign told the New York Post he submitted 66,345 signatures, though experts suggest more are needed to avoid challenges. — Bill Mahoney

FROM CITY HALL

RAISING HELL: City Council member Shahana Hanif faces criticism for her social media comment that two fellow Muslim women, who criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani, should be “condemned to Jahannam,” the Islamic concept of hell.

Hanif, the first Muslim woman elected to the Council, argues that the backlash is exaggerated and potentially prejudiced.

“‘Go to hell’ is a common expression, but when Arabic is involved, it’s perceived as more severe,” Hanif explained to Playbook today.

Hanif’s comment on X targeted Anila Ali and Zeba Zebunnesa for joining a protest outside Gracie Mansion, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to remove Mamdani for allegedly not combating antisemitism effectively.

“May Allah condemn you to Jahannam,” Hanif wrote, responding to Ali’s message about heading to the protest.

Ali and Zebunnesa are involved with the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council.

In the Quran, Jahannam is depicted as a place of divine justice for sinners, with escalating punishments.

Rabbi and social media commentator Elchanan Poupko criticized Hanif’s tweet as crossing “a red line.”

“Why is @ShahanaFromBK using religion to target a Muslim woman @anilaali for exercising her right to protest @ZohranKMamdani????” Poupko wrote. “This is unacceptable.”

Hundreds attended the protest outside Gracie Mansion, although no elected officials or mainstream Jewish groups were featured.

The protest included Israeli flag displays and demands for Mamdani, a proponent of Palestinian rights, to address antisemitism in New York. Some attendees voiced extreme rhetoric, calling for Mamdani, a U.S. citizen born in Uganda, to be deported.

Hanif cited this rhetoric to justify her comment on Jahannam.

“I’ll criticize MAGA influencers joining a hate rally with conspiratorial rhetoric and f-bombs,” Hanif said. — Chris Sommerfeldt 

IN OTHER NEWS

— TARGETING GAP: An analysis of over 1,200 lawsuits reveals that more than 93 percent of immigration enforcement arrests in New York and New Jersey targeted Latinos, who represent 66 percent of undocumented immigrants. (THE CITY)

— NO PLAYING AROUND: New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and New York Attorney General Letitia James are launching a joint investigation into FIFA’s ticket selling practices. (POLITICO)

— ‘I WAS HURT’: New York’s Legislature is considering changes to policies for incarcerated pregnant women after an incident where a woman gave birth while handcuffed in a Brooklyn courtroom. (Gothamist)

Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.