This week’s post is dedicated to the Bibas family. Shiri Bibas would have turned 35 on April 22. On the eve of Yom HaZikaron, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls was illuminated orange to honor the memory of Shiri and her redheaded boys, Ariel and Kfir. On October 7, the entire Bibas family was taken hostage from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Shiri’s husband, Yarden, was separated from his wife and children and survived 484 days in captivity. Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were held captive and ultimately murdered by Hamas terrorists. May their memory be a blessing.
Welcome to all the new subscribers and followers this week. You can see more about how this Substack came to be here. I hope this newsletter is a reprieve from the endless cycle of news on your social media feed. Using my legal and journalism training, I analyze and distill information from multiple news sources. I read and watch everything I can on each story and make the news as digestible as possible for my readers. A brief overview of how this newsletter is organized:
Above the Scroll — a play on newsroom slang of “above the fold” or the most important stories above the fold of a newspaper. These are NYC based stories concerning antisemitism and the Jewish community.
Below the Scroll - stories that may have not made headlines but are noteworthy. I start with NYC, then move onto stories covering antisemitism in the United States and then globally.
Good Jewish News & Reads - I highlight what I think are relevant and important stories on Substack, other media publications, or podcasts. These are often op-eds or articles that are relevant to the state of antisemitism but may not be a news story per se. And then of course, a little penicillin for the Jewish soul, positivity and ora to round out the newsletter.
Note to Reader: there was so much news in New York City and the United States that the newsletter will skip the section on “Antisemitism Around the Globe” this week.
MAMDANI VETOES BUFFER ZONE AROUND SCHOOL PROTESTS
This is a big story that broke at the end of the week, covered by the New York Times, Times of Israel, Gothamist, New York Jewish Week, City and State, Politico, CBS, ABC, NY1, Pix11, among others.
A month ago, City Council passed a bill pertaining to buffer zones and protests. For details about the specifics of the bill, you can reference the Above the Scroll March 29 newsletter.
Photo: Columbia University. Source: Columbia Spectator
The legislation that encompassed houses of worship was veto-proof, meaning the mayor could not reject that part of the bill. However, the portion of the legislation that covered protests outside of educational facilities did NOT pass City Council with enough votes to ensure a veto-proof majority. The mayor had until April 25 to make a decision.
On Friday, April 24, Mamdani vetoed the bill. This bill would have ensured the NYPD could make plans to secure a perimeter when protests occurred at educational facilities. The New York Times reports that the mayor made these statements in defending his decision to veto the bill, namely that the bill might be applied incorrectly to:
“Workers protesting ICE, or college students demanding their school divest from fossil fuels or demonstrating in support of Palestinian rights.”
“Nearly a dozen unions have raised the alarm about its impact on their ability to organize. That is why I am vetoing this legislation.”
The mayor released this statement detailing his decision on X.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani@NYCMayor
Last month, the City Council passed two bills related to the constitutional right to protest — one for houses of worship, and one for educational institutions. Today, I’m letting one bill go into effect, and vetoing the other. I’d like to take a moment to explain why. As Mayor,
3:02 PM · Apr 24, 2026 · 3.51K Views
19 Replies · 23 Reposts · 133 Likes
Julie Menin, City Council Speaker, countered the mayor’s statement vetoing the educational facility buffer zone bill.
Speaker Julie Menin@SpeakerMenin
Ensuring students and congregants can enter and exit their schools and houses of worship without fear of harassment or intimidation should not be controversial. The safe access bills simply require the NYPD to clearly outline how they will ensure safe access when there are
7:03 PM · Apr 24, 2026 · 22.8K Views
85 Replies · 83 Reposts · 408 Likes
Menin has already indicated she may attempt to garner votes to supersede the mayor’s veto. Menin only needs four votes for a veto-proof majority. The initial vote that took place in March passed 30-19.
Eric Dinowitz, the City Council member who introduced the bill, also criticized the vetoing of the bill, writing on X:
“The Mayor promised to keep New Yorkers safe and increase transparency. By vetoing this bill, he is breaking yet another campaign promise…The untrue claim that this bill infringes on free speech or is constitutionally unsound is not supported by the text. While the Mayor turns his back on student safety, I will stand firm in my commitment to keep our students safe.”
Who supported the mayor’s decision?
Anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice for Peace, Mamdani’s party, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), New York Civil Liberties Union, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, CUNY faculty and staff union, as well as the City Council Progressive Caucus.
Tiffany Cabán, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, said she supports the mayor’s decision, claiming the bill would give the NYPD “more tools to silence dissent and brutalize protestors.”
Why is this relevant?
It is completely in line with the mayor’s position on Israel and Gaza that he specifically called out protesting in support of Palestinian rights as one of the reasons that he decided to reject this portion of the buffer zone bill. It is also noteworthy that Mamdani did not call out any other international or human rights issues that might garner protest (i.e. Iran, Ukraine, Sudan) in his decision to veto the bill.
Additionally, the phrasing of his words is significant. The fact that the mayor says he “is letting one [bill] go into effect,” makes it appear as though he is allowing or making a concession for the house of worship portion of the bill.. There was a veto-proof majority and the house of worship bill would go into effect regardless of his position.
A majority of Jewish organizations, from Orthodox to Reform, UJA to the ADL, issued a rare joint statement voicing their deep concern and disappointment in the mayor’s decision.
Namely, calling the veto a “profound failure of City Hall” is a very strong statement.
NYC WILL NOT CODIFY THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITISM
The other major story this week is the City Council Taskforce to Combat Antisemitism held its first meeting on April 22. The meeting was called: Oversight: Reporting on Antisemitic Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents in New York City.
Reporters were present and the committee report is available on the official government website. Here’s what you need to know:
Phylisa Wisdom, the Executive Director appointed by Mamdani to run the new Task Force to Combat Antisemitism was at the meeting. Jewish Insider reports that Wisdom made it clear that this administration has a policy that they will not define hate.
“The policy of this administration is that we will continue to not have a codified definition of any form of hate.”
The New York Post reports that when pushed, Wisdom could not define antisemitism and instead said it would be evaluated on a “case-by-case” basis.
Photo Source: New York Post
Simcha Felder, an Orthodox Jewish member of City Council, who represents ultra-Orthodox visibly Jewish neighborhoods, asked Wisdom whether she had personally experienced antisemitism. He also voiced his concerns that Holocaust education, which is required by New York state law, is often disregarded.
Felder left the meeting after Wisdom made the statement noting this administration will not codify the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and she and her assistant will be the ones to decide what is or is not a hate crime.
“That was outrageous. She is not competent to decide. I don’t think she should have been hired…I can’t recall ever hearing something so absurd from someone in the administration.” — Simcha Felder
NYC Universities Put the Kibosh on Student Commencement Speeches
CUNY School of Law and specific schools within NYU have decided to restrict live student speakers for the schools’ 2026 commencement.
CUNY law students protested this past Wednesday.
NYU issued a statement that specific school graduations will have pre-filmed reels and remarks that “will contribute to making these events inclusive, celebratory and engaging for every person attending."
Photo Source: Gothamist, Jessica Gould. CUNY Law.
This is not the first time students have sued the school. In September 2023 CUNY Law had decided there would be no student-elected speeches at the 2024 graduation. Eight CUNY law students sued. Students claim this was based on speeches given in prior years, namely in 2023 one student gave a speech noting:
"Israel continues to indiscriminately reign bullets and bombs on worshipers."
In 2024, Deborah N. Archer, a civil rights attorney and president of the ACLU dropped out of attending the graduation. A statement was issued by the ACLU:
“Shutting down opportunities for student speech during times of controversy violates of the spirit and best traditions of higher learning. CUNY and campuses across New York should do all they can to support inquiry and expression by inviting student voices into difficult conversations.”
Since October 7, student commencement speeches have been riddled with anti-Israel commentary, including the use of words like “genocide” and “atrocities” pertaining to Gaza.
Last year’s commencement speech at the NYU Gallatin School sparked controversy after Logon Rozos gave a speech that appeared to be based on his own personal political views. An excerpt from NBC News:
“I want to say that the genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars, and has been livestreamed to our phones for the past 18 months. I do not wish to speak only to my own politics today, but to speak for all people of conscience, all people who feel the moral injury of this atrocity. And I want to say that I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide.”
NYU said the student lied about his speech, violated school rules and “misuse[d] his role as student speaker to express his personal and one-sided political views.” NYU withheld Rozos’ diploma.
Why is this relevant?
Students against schools limiting or regulating commencement speeches claim the school is infringing on their First Amendment rights. The complaint filed in the 2024 lawsuit argued that it was a “repression of speech related to Palestine.” The same issues appear to be reflected by protesters this past week at CUNY Law.
There is a longstanding history of free speech commencement speaker controversy and lawsuits at both public and private institutions. These cover a range of issues including abortion, prayer, Palestine, among others. More examples can be found here.
The counter position to the current CUNY Law protests and lawsuit is twofold:
Its unlikely the courts will uphold the argument that students have a First Amendment constitutional right that is applicable to a school organized event. A student speaker at a commencement is being given the opportunity to speak to the entire graduating class, as well as friends and family in attendance, in an educational setting where the university has the right to set guidelines and parameters on appropriate subject matter. Courts have traditionally upheld this view and multiple Supreme Court decisions have upheld that free speech rights are more limited in a school setting.
While some would argue the ACLU’s statement has merit, the notion that a commencement speech is a place for student inquiry and difficult conversation is a reach. It is a one-sided platform with no dialogue. It is not a classroom or a court room where a difference of opinions, legal arguments or facts can be exchanged.
HOUSTON…WE HAVE AN EXTREMIST PROBLEM
Angela Ann Hicks, an 18-year-old from North Carolina, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with conspiring to commit murder and assault against members of a Houston synagogue. Hicks was charged with conspiring with two male co-conspirators for a plan against Congregation Beth Israel. A 16-year-old in Texas was also arrested and charged in Texas.
The Associated Press reports Hicks’ plan was to “kill as many Jews as possible by driving through a congregation.” A senior district attorney indicated the threat was imminent.
A multi-state investigation, spurred by a tip given to the FBI on Tuesday, led to her arrest in North Carolina.
She is being held on a $10 million bond.
Photo Source: KHOU-11 News
via Davidson County Sheriff’s Office
Congregation Beth Israel is a Reform synagogue and is the oldest Jewish congregation in the state of Texas.
The synagogue and children’s school on the premises closed on Wednesday when they were informed of threats by local police.
As an example of the virulent state of antisemitism, Bianna Golodrya, CNN anchor and Sr. Global Affairs Analyst, posted about the synagogue closing on X and received this comment:
UC REGENT JAY SHORES LAMBASTES UCLA STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Omer Shem Tov, a young Israeli hostage held captive by Hamas for 505 days, spoke at UCLA on Yom HaShoah. Shem Tov was 20 when he was kidnapped and was released at the age of 22. The event was organized by UCLA Hillel and the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies.
The UCLA Undergraduate Student Association issued a letter condemning Shem Tov speaking on campus. The full letter can be found here.
“While we affirm the humanity of all people impacted by violence, we reject the selective platforming of narratives that obscure the broader reality of ongoing state violence. Israel is currently continuing to carry out what has been widely identified by human rights advocates as a genocide in Gaza, while also expanding its illegal military campaign into Lebanon. In this context, elevating a single narrative, absent of critical political and humanitarian framing, serves to legitimize and normalize these ongoing atrocities.”
Why is this relevant?
A letter that claims “selective platforming” somehow manages to selectively omit the October 7 massacre and the 251 hostages taken by Hamas.
UCLA issued this statement in which they condemned the letter published by the Student Association, noting:
The event’s message was one of resilience and respect for human rights and dignity — a message we support…The condemnation of such a peaceful event to share a story of resilience in the face of extreme suffering is antithetical to the values of our Bruin community.
UCLA Hillel who co-organized the event, simply said:
“Hillel at UCLA would like to apologize for absolutely nothing.”
The aspect of the story that is receiving signifiant media coverage is Jay Shures scathing response to the UCLA Student Association. Shures is a regent of the UC system and vice chairman of United Talent Agency.
Jewish Insider reports that Shures was “appalled and disgusted” stating “You have to be a complete lunatic to sign on to that letter.” He is Jewish and has spoken out since October 7. In 2025, his home was vandalized by anti-Israel protestors. Shures wrote a letter citing:
“Talk about a missed opportunity. Rather than hearing the perspective of a 23 year old peer abducted by terrorists at a music festival and held hostage by Hamas for 505 days, those of you who voted for the letter of condemnation chose not to listen at all.”
“Let’s unpack this. Omer Shem Tov is not a representative of the Israeli government. In fact, he is a young student, like many of you, whose life took a horrific turn when he and his friends were kidnapped at a music festival and driven into Gaza, where he was held hostage and tortured for months underground without contact to the outside world.”
Jewish Insider, the LA Times, Hollywood Reporter, among others, covered this story. The LA Times reports they contacted several individuals in the UCLA Student Association who voted for the letter and received no reply.
ISRAELI CULTURE CLUB FLYERS END UP IN A URINAL. DAUGHTER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT COMMENDS IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
Flyers for Israel Fest, a celebration for Yom Ha'atzmaut, organized by the Israeli Culture Club at Scarsdale High School in Westchester, NY, were torn down and put in a urinal in a boys bathroom.
Adding to the controversy are the actions of the daughter of the president of the school board, James Dugan, who posted the following photograph on social media.
Source: New York Post
Scarsdale is a heavily Jewish suburb. The Forward reports the principal and the superintendent have taken swift action in reviewing security footage, investigating and condemning the incident.
Members of the community are calling for the president of the school board to step down. A petition with over 1,100 signatures was sent to the superintendent, principal and the Scarsdale School Board requesting Dugan resign.
“Students directly responsible for the vandalism should face meaningful disciplinary action. In addition, students who have publicly supported, celebrated, or encouraged these antisemitic acts through social media or other public platforms should also face appropriate consequences….When a Board member’s immediate family is directly connected to the approval, encouragement, or defense of antisemitic behavior, it undermines public confidence in the Board’s ability to lead fairly and credibly during moments of crisis.”
ANTISEMITISM AT THE BOSTON MARATHON
The 130th Boston Marathon, one of the most elite marathons in the world, was held on Monday, April 20th. At mile 5, videos emerged of a man smiling while stomping on the Israeli flag and giving the Hitler salute to visibly Jewish and Israeli runners. News Nation reported on this story.
The Boston Athletic Association, the organizers of the event issued a general statement on Friday, April 24, 4 days after the marathon. The statement emphasized “there is no place for hatred of any kind at the Boston Marathon or in running,” but did not explicitly condemn the openly antisemitic actions by the spectator.
Why is this relevant?
Jewish runners have posted on social media noting they stopped mid-race to alert the police and were told nothing could be done because of the First Amendment. Other runners posted feeling distressed, some said it ruined their marathon experience, and others voiced concern over the fact that if it was any other minority, condemnation would have come quicker and/or the individual would have been removed from the race course.
Noteworthy to remember: 13 years ago the Boston Marathon was the scene of a deadly bombing, the largest terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11. The attack was carried out by two brothers, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaevby, self-radicalized extremists, who killed 3 people and injured over 260 others.
Boston Athletic Association@BAA
Message from the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) regarding reports of hateful actions by a spectator on April 20, 2026.
8:22 PM · Apr 24, 2026 · 30.8K Views
8 Replies · 10 Reposts · 86 Likes
Highlighting important reads on Substack this week:
Matti Friedman Introduction to Gazology in The Free Press is such an important deep dive into how academia and literati have distilled Gaza into into its own “Western literary genre with its own rules, tropes, and goals.”
If you are not following Andrew Fox Substack, please stop reading and subscribe. Fox is a former British Army Major, researcher, and a fellow at the Henry Jackson Institute, with a specialty in military strategy and the Middle East. This piece he wrote a week ago, The oldest hatred is back, and I am absolutely done with this shit. Get angry and then get angrier, went viral and is a must read.
Judith Magazine’s The Great Betrayal written by Teme Ring and Susan Blumberg-Kason shares the heartbreak and polarization towards the Jewish community in independent bookstores since October 7.
IN POSITIVE JEWISH NEWS…
MODI SELLS OUT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Jewish comedian Modi Rosenfeld performed to a sold out show at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday. Modi was recently in the news when he refused to participate in a seder at City Winery when he heard Mamdani would be presenting. If you missed that story, you can read it in Above the Scroll here. If you’re in the NYC area, Modi has one more upcoming show next week.
Modi brought all the Moshiach energy, ending the show with Hatikvah. The after-party was catered by the iconic 2nd Avenue Deli,
JUDY GOLD MANS THE MANISCHEWITZ MOBILE
Comedian Judy Gold took over the Manischewitz truck this past week, handing out knishes, hot dogs and rugelach to Upper West Siders with a dose of joy and her trademark comedic wit. Proceeds will go to The Lawfare Project ahead of End Jew Hatred Day, scheduled for April 29.
“WHEN WE SEE YOU AGAIN” IS PUBLISHED
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the American-Israeli hostage kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival, wrote a book detailing her grief and learning how to live with the loss of her son. Hersh, who had his arm blown off by a grenade, survived 328 days in captivity before he was murdered by Hamas in the tunnels of Gaza. Rachel and her husband Jon became some of the most well-known faces of the hostage family forum, wearing masking tape with the ever increasing date of captivity on their chests. The masking tape with the title “When We See You Again” is now the cover of Rachel’s book.
“I feel that grief is a privilege because it means that you love someone who’s not here anymore…Hope is mandatory.” — Rachel Goldberg-Polin as told to the New York Post
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