Jews, including Zionists, are protected against discriminatory acts by both New York City and New York State human rights laws.

These laws, administered by separate human rights commissions, protect you from discrimination in employment, housing, education, access to public accommodations, education and union membership.

Background on Zionism and Antidiscrimination Laws

It is no secret that the Mamdani administration is hostile to Jews, and Zionists in particular.  Mayor Mamdani has made his agenda clear:  he intends to make life very difficult for Jews in New York City.

We at Zachor Legal Institute expect that Mayor Mamdani’s administration will couch his antisemitic policies and actions as merely “anti-Zionist”, claiming that Zionism is a political movement, distinct from Judaism and without protection from antidiscrimination laws.

Mayor Mamdani is wrong.

Zionism, the movement for Jewish self-determination in the historic and modern homeland of Israel, is an inseparable part of the Jewish identity.  The United States Supreme Court has ruled in similar situations that when a part of a person’s identity is inseparable from a protected characteristic, such as religion, national origin or ethnicity, discrimination against that part of the person’s identity is discrimination against the protected characteristic.

Zionism is an inseparable part of the religious and ethnic identity of Jews.

Applicable New York City and State Antidiscrimination Laws

Discrimination, as a general rule, is being treated differently than others, usually in the form of being denied equal access or opportunity.

Under New York City’s Human Rights law, discrimination against Jews and Zionists in the following areas is prohibited:

• Employment (including apprentice training programs;
• Public accommodations;
• Housing, commercial space and lending;
• Licensing, registration and permits; and
• Boycotts.

Being offended at the Mamdani administration’s statements or affiliations is NOT discrimination in most cases.  Discrimination requires a showing of adverse treatment.

How We Can Help

New York City and State Human Rights Laws provide redress for the victims of discrimination.  While each set of laws has different procedures for the filing of complaints and the resolution of those complaints, Zachor Legal Institute can help you to determine whether your rights have been violated and to file a complaint with the applicable agency.

If you believe your rights have been violated by the Mamdani administration’s policies and actions, please click the button to Complete the Intake Form.  A representative of Zachor Legal Institute will review your information and promptly respond to your inquiry.

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