Inside Adams’ Israel trip

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Aug 22, 2023 View in browser   By Emily Ngo, Nick Reisman, Jeff Coltin and Hajah Bah “The mayor is skillfully navigating Israel by meeting with right, centrist and left leaders so he has the full spectrum of political views,” David Greenfield told Playbook. | Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office/Flickr.com Mayor Eric Adams will meet Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose move to weaken judicial power has sparked months of widespread protests in the Jewish state. The sit-down is the highest-profile of Adams’ four-day visit. But those traveling with the mayor noted to Playbook that he also plans to speak with Israeli officials critical of Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, arguing that a face-to-face with the prime minister is not a tacit endorsement of his nationalist policies. Netanyahu’s efforts to curtail Supreme Court influence have been slammed as attacks on democracy. A person familiar with Adams’ plans said he’ll talk later this week with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai. And before he meets with Netanyahu, Adams has a closed-door discussion with leaders of the protest movement. The other meetings are key, said the progressive New York Jewish Agenda, adding that a visiting mayor talking with Israeli leaders is typical. “However, these are not typical times, and we’re encouraged to hear that the mayor will also meet with pro-democracy movement and protest leaders,” the group’s executive director Phylisa Wisdom said. Left-wing advocacy group J Street’s response was much more barbed. “We hope the mayor takes the opportunity to make clear to the prime minister that Israel’s friends in New York and around the world are aghast at his government’s assault on Israel’s democracy,” a spokesperson said. David Greenfield, a former City Council member who now leads the anti-poverty Met Council, is also in Jerusalem for the trip. “The mayor is skillfully navigating Israel by meeting with right, centrist and left leaders so he has the full spectrum of political views,” Greenfield told Playbook. In a guest column from Jerusalem, Adams wrote that among his goals is to learn how Israel is able to “absorb and integrate thousands of immigrants,” a nod to the influx of migrants he faces at home. Adams is joined in Israel by Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy, senior adviser Joel Eisdorfer and NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella. Footing his bill are the UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council. Government meetings aside, photos shared by the mayor’s office show Adams being received warmly and enjoying himself while dining and playing music. HAPPY TUESDAY Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. WHERE’S KATHY? Delivering an announcement on clean water infrastructure in Tonawanda. WHERE’S ERIC? Continues his Israel tour that includes visiting the World Holocaust Remembrance Center and Western Wall, meeting with Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen and later Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “If it's all just going to be passed along to the ratepayers — at some point, there's a breaking point” — Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on concerns over the price of moving to renewable energy sources.   DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO APP: Stay in the know with the POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID.     ABOVE THE FOLD THUMBS DOWN ON MIGRANTS: A Siena College poll today is flashing a warning sign for Democrats on the migrant crisis — especially in the politically crucial suburbs. Statewide, only 35 percent of voters approved of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s handling of migrant policy; 51 percent did not. The numbers are not much better for Adams: 31 percent of New York voters approved of his handling of migrants while 47 percent of voters disapproved or strongly disapproved (With city voters, he fared a little better: a combined 46 percent approved; 48 percent disapproved). But both did even worse in the suburbs: 57 percent of suburban voters panned how the governor has dealt with the issue; 55 percent of suburban voters said the same about Adams. More than any area of the state, suburban voters are generally more critical of migrant policy, the poll found. Fifty percent of suburban voters believed migrants are “a burden” and 64 percent of suburban voters wanted to slow the influx of migrants. The survey underscores how the migrant issue could be a millstone next year for Democratic candidates running in close races, many of which will be on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. Republicans are expected to yoke Democrats to the migrant crisis in 2024 as New York will be a contested battleground for control of the House of Representatives. In a sign she’s trying to reverse voter perceptions, Hochul last week criticized Adams’ handling of the migrant crisis while also asserting the state will continue to aid the city with housing, money and other resources. The poll of 803 registered voters has a margin of error 4.4 percentage points. — Nick Reisman WHAT CITY HALL IS READING A letter from Tish James’ office indicates DocGo may have violated anti-discrimination laws. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images DOC, DOC… GOOSE? — Attorney General Tish James has tagged DocGo with an investigation following reports that employees of the company with a massive $432 million city contract were tricking migrants into leaving the city, and threatening and harassing them at shelters upstate. A letter from James’ office to the company obtained by POLITICO, and first reported by The New York Times, indicates DocGo may have violated anti-discrimination laws or those prohibiting retaliation. DocGo was given until Sept. 13 to respond. Adams, whose administration gave DocGo the no-bid contract, has defended the company, blaming just a few bad workers. But Hochul has raised concerns, saying she was “not satisfied.” — Jeff Coltin More from the city: — An NYPD chief who was critical of the department’s vehicle chases was forced to resign. (The City) — NYC’s intake process for securing shelter is complicated, according to a review by Comptroller Brad Lander. (City Limits) WHAT ALBANY'S READING CLIMATE BILL GAINS BACKING: Support for a measure meant to combat climate change is growing in the state Assembly. The proposal, known as the NY HEAT Act, now has 70 sponsors in the chamber, where it stalled last year. Advocates this summer are trying to build support for the measure by placing the state’s climate goals into the public service law, boost oversight of gas utilities and cap energy bills for low and middle-income households. Events around New York have included supportive lawmakers and advocates handing out free ice cream to constituents to drum up awareness. — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — New York workers are waiting on $79 million in back wages but the state Department of Labor is understaffed, with poor tools for getting people their money. (Documented/ProPublica) — Democrat Sam Berger is getting support from former Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal in his bid to fill his seat. (Jewish Insider) — Micron says its plan to build in New York will hinge on federal support. (Reuters) AROUND NEW YORK — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will attend a private fundraiser for Rep. Marc Molinaro in Sullivan County. (Mid Hudson News) — An endurance athlete’s plan to swim down the Hudson River has run afoul of drone rules in the Adirondacks. (Times Union) — The interim director of the New York State Fair was fully appointed by Hochul. (Auburn Citizen) WHAT MARTHA’S VINEYARD IS READING Most of those who visited spoke at consultant Michael Blake’s Kairos Convening for the Culture in Oak Bluffs. | Hy-Sync Media / Atlas Strategy Group A who’s who of Black politicians and power players have been on Martha’s Vineyard for the annual informal summit. Adams didn’t make it, after inexplicably canceling a planned Saturday fundraiser, but many others did, including Attorney General Tish James, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Assemblymember Latrice Walker and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. The happy couple of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks were on the tony Massachusetts island too, but did not get married, despite the rumor printed in the Post. It’s not only New Yorkers who gathered on the Vineyard. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) came and, the weekend before, Vice President Kamala Harris visited. Most spoke at consultant Michael Blake’s Kairos Convening for the Culture in Oak Bluffs. “Probably there’s more Black and Brown wealth and influence this past week than anytime the entire year at one place in the country. We have to make the most of these moments when we’re together,” the former assemblymember told Playbook. (PICS) “The whole framing is bringing consciousness to capitalism by implementing equity and justice at scale,” he said. Still to come? A fundraiser today for Rep. Gregory Meeks, co-hosted by Blake. Meeks is chair of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. “We like to remind people he’s got a slightly important role in saving democracy,” Blake said. — Jeff Coltin   Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here.     SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Paul Singer … Steve Kroft … NBC’s Steve Kornacki … FGS Global’s Jennifer Loven … National Review’s Rich Lowry ... NewsGuard’s Steven Brill and Gordon Crovitz … Tom Edsall … AP’s Nebi Qena … Luke Russert … Jessica Allen … Gigi Sharp … Jillian Taub … Ross Mintz  IN MEMORIAM — Carol Robles-Román, who served as deputy mayor for legal affairs and counsel under Mayor Mike Bloomberg, died Sunday at a New York hospital. She was 60. She most recently served as Hunter College general counsel and dean of faculty. Bloomberg wrote: “Carol Robles-Román dedicated her life to public service and to making our city and country more equal and just. For twelve years we sat across from each other in City Hall, and her legal guidance was instrumental in advancing our agenda across a broad range of issues.” MEDIAWATCH — Alexandra deMatteo is now a booker for Newsmax’s “The Record with Greta van Susteren.” She most recently was a booker for Fox News’ “Fox and Friends.” MAKING MOVES — Meredith Williams-Range is now chief legal operations officer at Gibson Dunn. She most recently was chief client strategy and growth officer at Shearman & Sterling LLP. ... Zach Deatherage has been promoted to be legislative director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). He most recently was senior legislative assistant for Stefanik. ... Katie Toomey is now chief marketing officer at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. She most recently was VP of member engagement at CenterState CEO. WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Randon White, ad sales manager at Amazon and a Politico alum, and Caitlin McFall, a world news reporter for Fox News Digital, on Friday welcomed Victoria “Tory” Elizabeth White. Pic ... Another pic Real Estate — About 13,000 rent stabilized apartments sat vacant for the last two years, out of more than 800,000, in the latest estimate of “warehoused” apartments (Gothamist)   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters Follow us

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