NYC Mayor Adams Reverses Stance, Says Holocaust Survivor Should Have Been Allowed to Speak at Brooklyn School

NEW YORK CITY (VINnews) — Mayor Eric Adams has reversed his administration’s earlier position and declared that Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann should have been permitted to speak about the Holocaust and antisemitism at a Brooklyn middle school.

In a late-night post on X Wednesday, Adams said a previous statement from his office supporting the school’s decision to bar Steigmann “went out prematurely.”

“Let me be very clear, I’ve previously met with Sami Steigmann and he is ABSOLUTELY the right person to speak with kids about the atrocities of the Holocaust,” the mayor wrote.

The controversy began last month when M.S. 447 in Boerum Hill, also known as the Math & Science Exploratory School, denied Steigmann an opportunity to address students. Principal Arin Rusch reportedly cited the 85-year-old survivor’s strong pro-Israel views as the reason for the rejection.

Steigmann insisted he intended to focus solely on his experiences during the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism, not current Middle East politics. He said the principal never spoke with him directly before making the decision.

On Monday, a mayoral spokesperson backed the school’s call, stating Steigmann “wasn’t the right fit” but pledging to bring in other Holocaust survivors instead.

After public backlash and coverage in the New York Post, Adams walked back the position while attending the Combat Antisemitism Movement conference in New Orleans.

“I’m in New Orleans… and read a report about an unfortunate incident involving New York City Schools not allowing a Holocaust survivor to speak at a local school,” Adams posted. “Unfortunately, a statement went out prematurely from my office that said he was not the right speaker.”

“As our Jewish community faces increased antisemitism and persecution across the globe, it’s more important now than ever that we learn the lessons and stories of the Holocaust,” he added.

The New York City Department of Education, which initially supported the principal’s decision, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning.

Adams, a Democrat who leaves office at the end of December, has been a vocal supporter of Israel throughout his term.