JCRC?NY Condemns Reported Politicization of City Health Department Amid Rise in Antisemitic Attacks

NEW YORK, NY (02/05/2026) (readMedia)-- In response to reports that a new working group, the "Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group," within the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday inside agency offices, allegedly during official work hours, to discuss the public health impacts of the war in Gaza from a one-sided perspective, Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC?NY, issued the following statement:

"Our public health agency exists to protect the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers, including Jewish New Yorkers, who were the target of an average of one antisemitic hate crime per day last month - not to serve as a venue for blatant and unlawful political activity. Holding a meeting like this during work hours was clear political activity and created an environment where some staff felt unsafe and unwelcome. In addition to the Health Department's leadership ensuring accountability, City Hall must remind all agencies of city rules and regulations, including the obligation to ensure that all staff feel supported. That is non?negotiable. We thank Council leadership, in particular Council Speaker Julie Menin and Health Committee Chair Lynn Schulman, for speaking out and ensuring there will be full accountability. JCRC?NY echoes their and other community leaders' concerns and urges that municipal resources remain focused on pressing public health priorities for all New Yorkers. We look forward to the outcome of the investigation into this matter."