Silencing Jewish Voices: Controversy Surrounds Email Block by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
In a concerning move that critics are calling an attempt to silence Jewish voices, the office of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has been accused of blocking emails opposing a left-wing drumbeat for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire resolution. This revelation comes just days after news broke that Adams had drafted a resolution for a ceasefire, despite Hamas terrorists still holding at least 116 hostages.
The controversy began when thousands of identical messages flooded council members’ inboxes as part of a coordinated campaign demanding that they vote against the proposed resolution. To deal with this influx, the Council’s information technology team discreetly blocked the messages and redirected certain emails sent to lawmakers. The directive to implement this email block came directly from Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office. Council members and staff were not informed about this action beforehand, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the Council.
Critics argue that this email block is part of a larger pattern of silencing Jewish voices by Council leadership. They point to Adams’ recent policy change that prohibits legislators from displaying any political signs, including Israeli hostage posters, on their chamber desks. Councilman Kalman Yeger (D-Brooklyn) expressed his concern, stating, “It’s part of a very disturbing pattern on the part of Council leadership silencing Jewish voices.” He went on to highlight how this action not only takes away the right of people to contact their officials but also denies elected officials the opportunity to understand and address their constituents’ concerns.
While council members and staff acknowledge that they have received mass email campaigns in the past, such as during the Black Lives Matter protests and discussions on noncitizen voting, they emphasize that no one was instructed to block those messages. Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn) described the situation as hypocritical and outrageous, stating, “It’s hypocritical and outrageous because we get emails about controversial subjects all the time.”
This controversy raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of Council leadership. By blocking emails opposing a ceasefire resolution, they are interfering with individuals’ right to express their opinions and concerns. Critics argue that this not only undermines democratic principles but also hinders the ability of elected officials to effectively represent their constituents.
Despite repeated requests for comment, Adams’ office has remained silent on the matter, further fueling the debate surrounding this issue. As the controversy continues to unfold, it is crucial to uphold open dialogue and ensure that all voices, including those of the Jewish community, are heard and respected within the City Council.
