The gloves came off in New York’s mayoral race Sunday as Scott Stringer lambasted Andrew Cuomo, charging that the ex-governor’s efforts to address antisemitism was nothing more than political theater.

Speaking to congregants at the West Side Institutional Synagogue, Stringer accused Cuomo of misleading Jewish donors about his organization “Never Again, NOW!” which was created to combat rising antisemitism following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

“He actually showed up in people’s living rooms and promised to set up an organization that would run commercials, host symposiums and – with money raised from the Jewish donor community – join the fight against rising antisemitism,” said the former city comptroller and Manhattan borough president. “But he never lifted a finger. There were no commercials. Nothing. This organization was a vehicle for his mayor’s race – and everybody knows it.”

Stringer, who is Jewish, took particular issue with what he characterized as Cuomo’s exploitation of the community’s vulnerability after the Hamas attacks.

“He didn’t tell you that he came to this community in our darkest moment, during our hour of need – after more than 1,200 people were murdered by the terrorist organization Hamas, with hundreds of hostages held in Gaza – and he lied to us,” Stringer said. “This was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Our hearts were broken.”

The mayoral candidate even quoted the Talmud to warn congregants about Cuomo: “Be careful about the government, as they approach a man only when they need him. They seem like good friends in good times, but they don’t stay for him in time of his trouble.”

While “Never Again, NOW!” did create a video ad attacking Hamas in July 2024, reporting by The New York Times indicated it received minimal airtime.

Cuomo’s campaign responded through state Assemblyman Sam Berger, a strong supporter within New York’s Jewish community, who defended the former governor’s record.

“Governor Cuomo has shown his support for the Jewish community with action, not just words. Scott Stringer played footsie with the anti-Israel, anti-democratic DSA [Democratic Socialists of America] and their allies who won’t condemn hate,” Berger said.

The Cuomo campaign also pointed to his gubernatorial record, which included signing an executive order barring state agencies from doing business with firms engaged in boycotts against Israel, increasing penalties for hate crimes, and securing millions for security upgrades at yeshivas and synagogues.

Stringer’s attacks come as Cuomo maintains a commanding lead in polls ahead of the June 24 Democratic primary. The former governor has been a frequent target of criticism not only for his current mayoral campaign but also for controversies that led to his 2021 resignation, including sexual misconduct allegations and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.