If you’re interested in a thoughtful, open-hearted conversation that digs into yesterday’s epic primary results and what they mean for Jewish New Yorkers, look no further! It was a pleasure to host Rabbi Margo Hughes-Robinson, the new Executive Director of NYJA (New York Jewish Agenda), on The Debrief.
Among other great features of our discussion, it was the first time I’ve heard anyone use “Tevye” (the main character in Fiddler on the Roof) as a verb. Loved it.
The topics we discussed included:
Big Picture takeaway: How the Mamdani Sweep (all three of his endorsed congressional candidates winning their races) is highly significant, with caveats about what it can tell us about the state of the Democratic party and US politics on Israel-Palestine nationwide
Brad Lander’s blowout win over Rep. Dan Goldman in NY-10: Why he emphasized Israel-Palestine and took on AIPAC, and is he really a Zionist (and does that matter)?
Brad Lander & Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Lander’s victory party last night. Photo credit: Gili Getz (as usual!) Micah Lasher’s victory in NY-12: Rep. Jerry Nadler’s retirement, the issue of AI regulation in the race, and a little hubbub over Micah Lasher’s skirting of a question about Israel at a candidate forum
Victories of DSA-affiliated, Mamdani-endorsed candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier & Claire Valdez: Avila Chevalier’s takedown of Rep. Adriano Espaillat, her pro-Palestine activism, and anti-AIPAC rhetoric in NY-13; Democratic Socialists of America vs. Working Families Party in NY-7
Controversy over Mamdani’s recent anti-AIPAC rhetoric: Were the Mayor’s Gramscian “monsters” analogy and reference to “dark money” out of bounds?
Rabbi Hughes-Robinson’s counsel to Jewish New Yorkers who feel alienated in their city
It was truly a joy to get to speak with Margo! As always, I’m looking forward to your comments.
Friends, if you find conversations like this one meaningful, please subscribe or upgrade to a paid subscription to help me continue this work.
Want to buy me a coffee to show your support? One-time donations in any amount are welcome.
What’s Coming Up Next on The Debrief?
We’ve got two exciting podcasts scheduled for next week:
Wednesday, July 1, at 2:30pm Eastern:
The Next Generation of American Rabbis: Who Are They & Where Do They Stand on Israel-Palestine?
I’ll be hosting Rabbis Amelia Wolf & Andy Kahn, ordained in the Conservative and Reform movements respectively, for this conversation relating to the future of Jewish life in the US.
Thursday, July 2, at 11:30am Eastern:
A Conversation with Congressman Ro Khanna
As viewers who saw The Debrief’s podcast with Josh Paul know, Ro Khanna tried to strip a provision for US-Israel defense integration out of the Defense Authorization Act. I’ll ask Khanna — a possible 2028 presidential contender — about that legislation, future US aid to Israel, and where the Democratic party stands on Israel-Palestine.
Mark your calendars and join us!
Further Resources on the NY Primary
Related Debrief Podcasts:
Substack Articles mentioned in today’s podcast:
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, “On AIPAC and Bogeymen,” June 22, 2026
Eli Kowaz, “Brad Lander’s Zionism-Without-Zionism,” June 17, 2026
Thanks for tuning in to The Debrief! I’m grateful for your support.
Warm regards,
Debra
