NYC mayoral candidate Scott Stringer falsely claimed partnership with the Anti-Defamation League for a controversial antisemitism initiative that would use advanced technology to monitor social media posts.

At a Glance

• Scott Stringer announced plans to partner with the ADL on technology to predict antisemitic attacks, but the ADL denies any awareness of such partnership
• The ADL emphasized they are nonpartisan and do not partner with candidates for elective office
• Stringer’s proposal includes using monitoring tools to scan social media for threatening content during crises involving Israel or Jewish institutions
• Jewish New Yorkers represent 10% of the city’s population but were targets of 62% of hate crimes in early 2025
• Stringer’s campaign later clarified he was promoting ADL resources, not claiming a formal partnership

ADL Denies Partnership with Mayoral Candidate

Scott Stringer, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor currently polling in single digits, announced plans to combat antisemitism through a partnership with the Anti-Defamation League. The initiative, unveiled at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun synagogue, proposed using advanced technology to help predict and prevent antisemitic attacks. However, the ADL quickly distanced itself from Stringer’s claims, issuing a statement contradicting the candidate’s announcement.

“We are not aware of any authorized plans to partner with Mr. Stringer and, as a nonprofit organization, we would not partner with any candidate for elective office,” an ADL spokesperson stated firmly, clarifying the organization’s nonpartisan stance in electoral politics.

After the ADL’s rebuke, Stringer’s campaign attempted to walk back the partnership claims. A spokesperson clarified that the candidate was merely promoting the ADL’s existing resources rather than announcing a formal collaboration. This clarification came after Stringer had specifically outlined plans that prominently featured the ADL’s involvement in his antisemitism prevention strategy.

Controversial Technology Proposal Raises Questions

The centerpiece of Stringer’s initiative involves using sophisticated monitoring tools to scan social media for potential threats against Jewish communities. Stringer, who identifies as Jewish and a Zionist, emphasized the plan would focus on periods following international incidents involving Israel or Jewish institutions, when antisemitic rhetoric and threats typically spike online.

“My new initiative would use advanced monitoring tools to scour social media posts following during or after international emergencies — especially those involving Israel or Jewish institutions,” Stringer stated during his announcement at the synagogue. The technology would allegedly flag content that incites violence or indicates coordinated threats, enabling preemptive action by law enforcement and community leaders.

Rising Antisemitism in New York City

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of increasing antisemitic incidents in New York City, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. According to data referenced in Stringer’s announcement, Jewish New Yorkers, who comprise approximately 10% of the city’s population, were targeted in over 62% of hate crimes reported in early 2025. This dramatic disproportion highlights the genuine need for effective protection measures.

Stringer’s campaign has yet to clarify how the antisemitism prevention initiative would proceed without the ADL’s partnership, or whether alternative technologies and organizations might be engaged instead. The incident highlights the delicate balance between addressing legitimate security concerns for vulnerable communities and respecting organizational boundaries during political campaigns.