Council Member James F. Gennaro Slams Use of City Time for Anti-Israel Working Group at DOHMH

 

"I am outraged by the recent actions of city employees within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) under Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration. The formation and hosting of the so-called 'Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group,' which convened its inaugural meeting during work hours on city time and resources, represents a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars and a dangerous politicization of our public health institutions.

This group has launched unfounded and inflammatory accusations against the State of Israel, labeling its actions as 'genocide.' Of course, there was no mention of the horrific October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas that claimed over 1,200 innocent lives and sparked the ongoing conflict. Such anti-Israel propaganda has no place in a government agency tasked with safeguarding the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, regardless of their background or beliefs. It fosters division, alienates Jewish employees and communities, and undermines the morale of our dedicated public servants, as evidenced by reports from within the department itself. And the anti-semitic content of the 'Working Group' aside, city employees are not allowed to engage in non-city business while on the clock. If bigoted city employees want to engage in and share vile rhetoric, they have to do so off the clock and at a non-governmental location. Taxpayers should not be paying for a hate incubator. 

Mayor Mamdani's administration must be held accountable for allowing this to occur. As a longtime critic of Israel who has personally echoed similar accusations, the Mayor's silence on this matter speaks volumes about his priorities. Instead of focusing on pressing public health crises – like people freezing to death on the streets, mental health support, infectious disease preparedness, or equitable access to care – this agency has permitted city resources to be hijacked for partisan activism. This is not governance; it's ideological indoctrination at the expense of our city's unity and effectiveness.

I call on the Mayor and DOHMH Commissioner to immediately investigate the use of city time and facilities for such activities, and issue a public apology to those affected. New York City deserves better than employees that prioritizes global politics over local needs. We must restore impartiality and professionalism to our public institutions to serve every resident fairly."