Mayor Zohran Mamdani Bars Jewish Judges, Picks Controversial Defenders

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reshaped the 18‑member Judicial Advisory Committee, rejecting the appointment of retired Justice John Leventhal, a Jewish lawyer who previously worked for Ghislaine Maxwell. The mayor stated the decision was due to Leventhal’s “Epstein world” ties.

Mamdani instead appointed lawyers with histories defending high‑profile radicals, including chief counsel Ramzi Kassem, who represented al‑Qaeda operative Ahmed al‑Darbi and other Guantanamo detainees, and Soffiyah Elijah, known for defending individuals labeled as “cop‑killers.” Critics say the moves constitute an ideological capture of the city’s judiciary, prioritising public‑defense and activist lawyers over traditional, nonpartisan candidates. Jewish bar associations have condemned the exclusion of Jewish lawyers from the panel.

The controversy highlights tensions over judicial independence, diversity criteria, and alleged political bias in city appointments.