Interfaith Coalition Demands Ouster of NYC Council Member from Hate Task Force

NEW YORK, NY – May 26, 2026 – A broad coalition of more than 25 faith and civic leaders is publicly demanding the removal of New York City Council Member Inna Vernikov from the very body she helps lead: the Council's Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. The call to action, announced at an emergency press conference, stems from what organizers describe as a pattern of inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric by the council member, creating a charged debate over accountability, free speech, and the city's commitment to fighting all forms of hate.

At a tense gathering at Brooklyn Borough Hall on May 21, representatives from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other community groups united to call on City Council Speaker Julie Menin to take decisive action. They argue that Vernikov's continued presence on the task force undermines its mission and creates a dangerous double standard in a city grappling with rising incidents of both Islamophobia and antisemitism.

The Controversy's Spark

The immediate catalyst for the coalition's mobilization was a series of social media posts by Council Member Vernikov concerning Muslim men performing their Friday Jumu'ah prayer on a sidewalk in Brooklyn. The prayer took place outside the Al Madina Mosque, which is located near the Bnos Leah Prospect Park Yeshiva.

In her posts, Vernikov, a conservative Republican known for her staunchly pro-Israel views, characterized the public prayer as "shocking" and "deliberately provocative." Her commentary, which questioned the worshippers' motives, went viral, reportedly generating over 30 million online impressions and fueling a wave of anti-Muslim hostility online, according to a report compiled by the coalition.

However, the coalition pointed to a starkly different account from a leader within the Jewish school's community. Rabbi Leib Kelman of Bnos Leah Prospect Park Yeshiva was quoted by the group as having a peaceful relationship with his neighbors, stating, "They're very nice people. I don't know why there is any political torment. Nothing happened; there is nothing going on." This statement directly contradicts the alarming tone of Vernikov's posts and has become a cornerstone of the coalition's argument that the controversy was manufactured for political purposes.

"CM Vernikov regularly engages in hateful language and actions against the Muslim community. She has a history of ugly language that purposely fans the flames of hatred. No one with that record should be named a co-chair of the Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, or any form of hate," said Rabbi Barat Ellman of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice.

A Call for 'One Standard' Against Hate

Leaders at the press conference stressed that their demands extend beyond a single politician. The core of their message is a call for "one standard" in confronting bigotry, arguing that the city's leadership must treat Islamophobia with the same gravity as antisemitism.

This sentiment was amplified by the timing of the press conference, which took place just days after a deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. The coalition drew a direct line between inflammatory online content and real-world violence. "It is exactly this type of inflammatory rhetoric and propaganda that creates the conditions for tragedies like the one we witnessed in San Diego," stated Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York (CAIR-NY). "More broadly, it is part of the same ecosystem driving the unprecedented rise in Islamophobic incidents across the United States. In 2025, CAIR recorded the highest number of anti-Muslim complaints in its more than 30-year history."

The coalition's public letter emphasizes this point, stating, "This moment is larger than one elected official." Dr. Abdusalam Musa, a board member of the Shuraa Council of New York, added, "New Yorkers of every faith do not need to agree on every political issue to stand together against hatred, falsehood and religious incitement."

The Ball in the City Council's Court

The coalition has laid out a clear set of demands for the City Council's leadership. Beyond the immediate removal of Council Member Vernikov from the task force, they are calling for her case to be referred to the Committee on Standards and Ethics, a public affirmation from the Council that all religious communities deserve equal protection, and direct engagement between Speaker Menin and coalition representatives.

The power to appoint and remove members from such task forces rests with the Speaker. So far, Speaker Menin has not issued a public response to the demands. However, the pressure is mounting, particularly with other council members taking a stand. Council Member Julie Won has already publicly committed to "holding all elected-officials accountable to one standard," a move praised by coalition members.

"We are grateful to Council Member Julie Won, for demonstrating her commitment," said Reverend Dr. Mootoo, Pastor of Emanuel AME Church. "We cannot wait for what just occurred in San Diego to happen in New York City before taking the matters seriously."

The situation presents a significant challenge for the City Council. It must navigate the complexities of its own internal ethics, the political sensitivities surrounding both antisemitism and Islamophobia, and the growing demand from a diverse group of New Yorkers for consistent and equitable leadership. The coalition has now publicly released video of its press conference, ensuring the controversy remains in the public eye as the city waits for a response from its elected leaders.