"JewBelong cofounder Archie Gottesman accused Somo of censoring Jewish voices "at the very moment antisemitism is surging." Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt also condemned the ads' removal, saying, "If acknowledging that Jewish New Yorkers sometimes feel compelled to hide visible symbols of their identity is considered controversial, that should alarm all of us.""
"Jamie Lowe, executive vice president of the ad placement firm Somo, told JewBelong reps that he was alarmed after The Post article "created a buzz" about the ads targeting Mamdani. "I personally will be careful in running advertising that is somewhat attacking City Hall or the mayor," Lowe said."
JewBelong, an organization known for tongue-in-cheek antisemitism awareness campaigns, launched taxi ads stating "Not gonna hide my Jewish star for a free bus ride," referencing a political candidate's free bus plan and critical views of Israel. After The New York Post reported on the ads, the ad placement firm Somo removed them, citing concerns about attacking city leadership. JewBelong's cofounder accused Somo of censoring Jewish voices during a surge in antisemitism, while the Anti-Defamation League CEO condemned the removal, arguing that acknowledging Jewish New Yorkers' concerns about hiding their identity should not be controversial. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between pro-Israel advocacy and other perspectives within Jewish communities.
Read at Jewish Telegraphic Agency
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