Mamdani Confirms Rabbi Meeting, Touts 800% Hike in Anti-Semitism Funding

New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani confirmed a meeting with rabbis representing New York's Jewish communities, saying his administration has increased hate crime prevention funding by more than 800% and expanded the city's office to combat anti-Semitism to its largest size ever, calling it a "first in the nation" municipal response. Mamdani, a practicing Shia Muslim, said his door remains open to every Jewish New Yorker. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also defended a proposed surcharge on second homes valued at more than $5 million, saying the tax could generate more than $500 million in revenue for the city. The proposal is facing growing opposition, including from President Donald Trump, who has questioned whether the federal government can intervene to stop the policy. A New York judge has also temporarily blocked implementation of the tax amid a lawsuit from Manhattan property owners. Mamdani argues the revenue would help fund safer streets, stronger schools and other city priorities. Critics warn that higher taxes could push wealthy taxpayers, businesses and investment toward lower-tax states such as Florida. The debate raises a larger question for New York taxpayers: Will higher taxes generate more revenue—or accelerate the departure of taxpayers who fund the city? Subscribe to The Center Square for more reporting on taxes, government spending, state and local budgets, and how policy decisions affect American taxpayers.