A heated political battle is brewing in Brooklyn’s 39th City Council District, pitting incumbent Shahana Hanif against challenger Maya Kornberg in a race that could have national implications. Kornberg, a Jewish Democrat and elections expert, announced her candidacy on Tuesday, setting the stage for a clash of ideologies in a district with a large Jewish population.
Kornberg,who leads elections and government research at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law,emphasized her commitment to “standing up against hate,providing reliable constituent services,and delivering meaningful change for every resident.” Her campaign launch comes after months of anticipation from Jewish leaders in the district who have expressed concerns about Hanif’s strident criticism of Israel and her perceived insensitivity to rising antisemitism.
“Maya is smart, hardworking, and will work for all residents of District 39,” Cindy Greenberg, chief executive of Repair the World, a Jewish nonprofit in New York, told Jewish Insider. “It’s been inspiring to see how much support and energy there is for her in the district.”
The race is expected to be a closely watched barometer of the political climate in New York City, especially among left-leaning Democrats. Following a rightward shift in the city during the recent presidential election, some Democrats are reevaluating thier messaging to voters. Hanif, a democratic socialist, has been a vocal critic of Israel and has ties to anti-Israel groups, positions that some believe may be too extreme for the district’s liberal electorate.
Kornberg, who declined to comment directly to Jewish Insider about her campaign, has previously expressed more measured views on Israel. On her campaign website, she pledges to “take a stand” against “discriminatory violence, vandalism, and other acts of hate” and argues that “calls to defund the police are only hurting local communities’ safety” — a clear contrast to Hanif’s more radical approach advocating for divestment from law enforcement.
“Amidst rising division, we must create more spaces for local dialog, centering shared humanity and restorative justice rather of megaphones,” Kornberg adds on her website.
Last spring, Greenberg was among several Jewish leaders who met with Hanif in a discussion that reportedly became tense. The upcoming primary election is expected to be a fierce contest, with both candidates vying for the support of a diverse electorate in a district grappling with issues of safety, affordability, and social justice.
Kornberg’s entry into the race has energized many Jewish voters who are eager for a candidate who will be more responsive to their concerns about antisemitism and Israel. the outcome of the election could have notable implications for the future of the Democratic Party in New York city and beyond.
new York City Councilmember shahana Hanif, the first Muslim woman elected to the council, faced criticism from Jewish leaders earlier this year over her statements on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The concerns, voiced during a private meeting in the spring, centered around Hanif’s perceived alignment with antisemitic rhetoric and her reluctance to condemn Hamas.
Jewish leaders expressed unease over Hanif’s comments attributing the “root cause” of the violence in Israel to the country’s “illegal,immoral and unjust occupation of the Palestinian people,” which they viewed as excusing Hamas’s actions. They also cited her amplification of a social media post calling for a “globalized intifada,” a phrase they interpreted as an antisemitic provocation.
During the meeting, some participants urged Hanif to publicly condemn Hamas and acknowledge “Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state.” Others expressed concern over her silence on instances of antisemitic vandalism and graffiti in the community.
Hanif, however, pushed back against these requests, stating that she would not engage in discussions about “geopolitics” and asserting that the meeting’s composition, with her as the sole Muslim representative, made for an unfair conversation.
Following the meeting, which was first reported by Jewish insider in August, Jewish leaders observed a shift in Hanif’s rhetoric.She was arrested at a Manhattan cease-fire protest organized by the Democratic Socialists of America last year, but has since largely refrained from commenting on the Israel-Gaza conflict, which she previously labeled a “genocide.”
Andres Spokoiny, a Jewish community activist who attended the spring meeting, suggested that Hanif’s change in tone was a calculated political move in response to the prospect of a primary challenge from Maya Kornberg, a Jewish candidate who was reportedly considering a run against her.
“She stopped being so vicious against Israel, but she’s doing it in a very calculated way,” Spokoiny said.
Andy Bachman, a former rabbi at a prominent Reform synagogue in Park slope who now resides in Portland, Maine, echoed this sentiment. He noted that Hanif reached out to him via text in August, expressing solidarity and requesting a conversation after a Brooklyn bookstore canceled an event he was scheduled to moderate due to his identification as a Zionist.
Bachman, who was among a small group of Jewish leaders contacted by Hanif amid the looming primary threat, declined to speak with her, citing his disengagement from New York City politics and awareness of her interactions with other Jewish community members who had informed him about the previous meeting.
“Shahana is now seeing that there’s opposition to her, and so you’re seeing her try to mend fences,” Bachman said. ”these are classic strategic political moves.”
Hanif’s evolving stance on Israel and her outreach to Jewish leaders highlight the complex political landscape in New York City, where issues of identity, ideology, and depiction intersect.
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif is facing scrutiny from Jewish constituents as she seeks re-election, with some questioning her stance on Israel and antisemitism. Her recent statements and actions have sparked debate, prompting calls for greater clarity and reassurance from the jewish community.
Rep. Michele Bachmann, a prominent Republican figure, has publicly challenged Hanif to unequivocally condemn terrorism and acknowledge Israel’s right to exist. “Whether or not she can actually, with sincerity, condemn terrorism in any form — can accept the Jewish state’s right to exist — let’s see what she has to say,” Bachmann told the Jewish Insider.
hanif’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding her approach to the primary election.
In recent months,Hanif has attempted to navigate a delicate balance in addressing issues related to Israel and antisemitism. Following the october 7th attacks, she released a statement ”categorically” condemning “Hamas’ atrocities” and advocating for the safe return of all hostages. However, she also called for the U.S. to halt weapons transfers to israel.
Hanif also issued a delayed clarification for her vote against a resolution establishing an annual “End Jew Hatred Day” in New York City. In a statement last month, she stated that the resolution was backed by a coalition with “concerning ties to far-right politicians who promote problematic and hateful rhetoric.”
“While I stand by my vote, I deeply regret and apologize that I did not share more context on the rationale,” Hanif wrote. “Moving forward,” she added, “I am committed to fostering an even more transparent and open dialogue and forging stronger relationships with a variety of Jewish leaders, organizations and constituents across District 39.”
Prior to her public statement,Hanif had sent a private letter to a coalition of Jewish constituents in response to a petition expressing “profound disappointment” regarding her “actions and omissions” as the October 7th attacks. The petition urged hanif “to do more to protect and support” the Jewish community.
In her reply, Hanif reiterated her condemnation of Hamas’ “horrific attacks” and expressed heartbreak over the continued captivity of hostages. she also cited legislation she is working on to combat antisemitism. Hanif expressed regret for previously sharing the phrase “globalize the intifada” on social media,acknowledging its potential to incite hostility and fear among Jewish people.
“I unequivocally apologize for this,” she wrote. “I understand now that the phrase can invoke feelings of hostility, discrimination and fear for Jewish people. It was never my intention to promote such messaging, and I removed the post as soon as I recognized its harmful implications.”
The Jewish constituents,part of a group called Brooklyn BridgeBuilders,which organized a vigil outside Hanif’s office on October 7th,responded to Hanif’s letter,stating that while they appreciated her apology,they still sought further reassurance and concrete actions to demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish community.
As Hanif seeks re-election, her stance on these complex issues will likely remain a focal point for voters, particularly within the Jewish community.
New York City Councilwoman Shahana hanif is facing a primary challenge from Maya Kornberg, a first-time candidate who has garnered support from prominent donors and pro-Israel groups. The race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest,with Hanif’s past statements on Israel and her handling of local issues drawing scrutiny.
Hanif, who represents District 39 in Brooklyn, has faced criticism from some Jewish constituents for her stance on israel. In a recent letter, a group of Jewish constituents expressed their concerns about Hanif’s “evolution” on the issue, stating that “public harm necessitates public accountability.” They called on her to issue a public apology for a previous social media post that they deemed offensive.
“while we appreciate your private acknowledgment, public harm necessitates public accountability, and we are requesting that you make a public apology to address the damage done,” the Jewish constituents wrote. “We do hope your letter signals a genuine shift in your approach and reflects a deeper commitment to addressing your constituents’ concerns.”
Despite Hanif’s attempts to address these concerns, some Jewish constituents remain skeptical.Ramon Maislen, a leading organizer with Brooklyn BridgeBuilders, a group raising funds to oppose Hanif in the primary, said the councilwoman “has consistently failed to take the concerns of the Jewish community seriously, particularly amid rising hate crimes against our community.”
The race is expected to attract significant outside spending, with groups targeting Hanif, who also faced attacks from a well-funded super PAC in her primary last year. A consultant familiar with the ad campaign, which criticized Hanif for voting against “End Jew Hatred Day,” among other issues, confirmed that some groups aligned with the super PAC will likely engage in the June primary.
Kornberg, who is running for the first time, has received support from New York Solidarity Network, a pro-Israel group. Sara Forman,the group’s executive director,said,“it’s always great to see someone as highly accomplished and dedicated to community advocacy as Maya Kornberg throw her hat into the political ring — she is a candidate Solidarity PAC is excited to support.Maya will bring many thoughtful and productive new ideas to the city Council that will not only serve her constituents, but will benefit all of Brooklyn and the city at large.”
Kornberg has also attracted contributions from prominent donors, including Len Blavatnik, Leonard Stern, and Alice Tisch, according to campaign finance records.
While some observers believe Hanif will be difficult to defeat, local activists in the district caution against underestimating the level of liberal discontent with her tenure. “Our grassroots institution emerged from the frustration of being ignored,” Maislen said. “Hanif has prioritized extreme political agendas over local issues like public safety, sanitation, and community cohesion.”
The provided text gives an detailed account of the political situation surrounding NYC Councilwoman shahana Hanif, her handling of Israel-related issues, and the upcoming primary challenge she faces from Maya Kornberg.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points raised:
**Hanif’s Shiftinverted in Stance on Israel:**
* Hanif previously labelled the Israel-Gaza conflict a “genocide” and participated in protests.
* She has as toned down her rhetoric, sparking accusations of political maneuvering due to Kornberg’s candidacy.
* Her outreach to Jewish leaders seemed calculated, aiming to mend fences and garner support.
**Criticism and Scrutiny:**
* Hanif’s initial stance on the conflict alienated some Jewish constituents.
* Her vote against ”End Jew Hatred Day” resolution and past use of the phrase “globalize the intifada” faced backlash.
* Republican Rep.Michele bachmann publicly challenged Hanif to condemn terrorism and acknowledge Israel’s right to exist.
**Hanif’s Response and Attempts at Reconciliation:**
* Hanif apologized for her “globalize the intifada” post, acknowledging its potential to incite hostility among Jewish people.
* She publicly condemned Hamas’s attacks but also called for halting US weapons transfers to Israel.
* Hanif sent private letters to Jewish constituents, expressing regret for past actions and promising to combat antisemitism.
**Primary Challenge and the Jewish Vote:**
* Maya Kornberg, a pro-Israel candidate, poses a strong challenge to Hanif’s re-election bid.
* Support for Kornberg from prominent donors and pro-israel groups indicates the importance of Jewish voters in the race.
**Overall:**
The text paints a picture of a complex political landscape where Hanif’s handling of Israel-related issues and her relationship with the Jewish community are under intense scrutiny.The outcome of the primary election will likely hinge on her ability to rebuild trust and regain support within this key voting bloc.
