Podcast Summary: In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch featuring Scott Stringer

Podcast Information:

• Title: In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
• Host: Rabbi Ammi Hirsch, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
• Episode Guest: Scott Stringer
• Release Date: June 19, 2025
• Description: Every other week, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch hosts intellectually honest conversations unpacking current events through the lens of Jewish wisdom and values. Unbound by politics and untethered by party lines, Ammi and his distinguished guests discuss everything from foreign affairs and antisemitism to politics and pop culture. This show is recorded from New York’s Stephen Wise Free Synagogue.

1. Introduction and Campaign Context

Rabbi Ami Hirsch introduces Scott Stringer, highlighting his extensive experience in New York politics as a former Manhattan assemblyman, borough president, and city comptroller. Stringer's steadfast commitment to Judaism and Zionism is emphasized as a distinguishing factor in the current polarized climate.

Notable Quote:

• [00:00] Scott Stringer: "Rabbi."

2. Overview of the Mayoral Campaign

Scott Stringer discusses the energized nature of his mayoral campaign, emphasizing New York City's diversity and the voters' readiness for change. He underscores the desire for experience, competence, and a vision to eradicate corruption and restore the city's functionality.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:17] Scott Stringer: "The voters are ready for change... I offer in this campaign."
• [02:22] Scott Stringer: "People are really actually expecting less from the government."

3. Evolution of Government and Public Service

The conversation delves into changes in political tolerance and public expectations of government over the decades. Stringer contrasts the collaborative, corruption-free ethos of the past with the current divisive political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:22] Scott Stringer: "When I came of age... corruption was not to be tolerated for one second."
• [05:54] Scott Stringer: "Nixon was a Boy Scout compared to what we have now."

4. Challenges with the Trump Administration

Stringer expresses concerns over the Trump administration's impact on New York City, particularly regarding financial threats and attempts to dismantle the city's safety net. He advocates for strategic financial planning to safeguard social programs against potential federal budget cuts.

Notable Quotes:

• [08:23] Scott Stringer: "Trump 2 is smarter, more focused on destroying the New York City safety net."
• [09:59] Scott Stringer: "We had another president in the 1970s, Gerald Ford, who told our city to drop dead when we were on the edge of bankruptcy."

5. Impact on Immigrant Communities and Education

Stringer highlights the fear among undocumented immigrants and its repercussions on public education, citing personal anecdotes about students avoiding school due to fears of ICE interventions. He draws parallels between the current climate and historical persecutions faced by the Jewish community.

Notable Quotes:

• [10:21] Scott Stringer: "There is a terrible fear... raising a family in New York."
• [12:14] Scott Stringer: "We had to protect the people in the city from ice."

6. Affordability and Housing in New York City

Affordability emerges as a top priority, with Stringer outlining plans to increase affordable housing, reduce childcare costs, and support families to prevent migration to more affordable states. He advocates for leveraging vacant properties and collaborating with non-profits to expand affordable housing units.

Notable Quotes:

• [13:21] Scott Stringer: "The rent is just too high... we have to create a more affordable city."
• [15:34] Scott Stringer: "Empty promises based on inexperience may get you votes, but doesn't make you somebody who can govern."

7. Defense of the Jewish Community and Antisemitism

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the rise of antisemitism and the importance of defending the Jewish community. Stringer recounts personal experiences and stresses the necessity of political engagement to combat hate and protect community safety.

Notable Quotes:

• [18:53] Scott Stringer: "October 7th... the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust."
• [22:12] Scott Stringer: "This is real. People want to feel safe."

8. Interfaith Relationships and Community Unity

Stringer emphasizes the importance of building alliances across different faith communities to address hate and promote unity. He shares past successes in bringing together Jewish and Muslim communities to address shared concerns, illustrating his capacity for interfaith collaboration.

Notable Quotes:

• [27:00] Scott Stringer: "I bring together the Muslim community and then the Jewish community... like the head of the United Nations."
• [28:15] Scott Stringer: "We have to start building trust again and bringing people together."

9. Relationship with the Democratic Party

The dialogue explores the shifting dynamics between the Jewish community and the Democratic Party. Stringer acknowledges a decline in confidence among American Jews toward the party, attributing it to perceived antisemitism and the party's handling of related issues. He urges continued engagement and participation within the party to address these challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• [30:16] Scott Stringer: "Antisemitism and hate speech has infiltrated a lot of thought in the Democratic Party."
• [35:48] Scott Stringer: "I believe the Democratic Party is the best vehicle to do this."

10. Final Messages and Call to Action

As the primary vote approaches, Stringer delivers a heartfelt plea for New Yorkers to support his vision for a competent, experienced, and corruption-free administration. He underscores his deep roots in the community and commitment to upholding Jewish values while fostering broader societal good.

Notable Quotes:

• [42:50] Scott Stringer: "If you think the next mayor should be competent and have real government experience, then vote for me."
• [44:15] Scott Stringer: "Thank you. Rabbi."

11. Rabbi Ammi Hirsch's Concluding Remarks

Rabbi Hirsch commends Stringer's unwavering support for the Jewish community and emphasizes the critical need for the community to actively defend against antisemitism and support candidates who align with their values. She underscores the moral imperative of political choices and the importance of electing leaders who promote justice, compassion, and unity.

Notable Quotes:

• [44:01] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "Vote for those who seek justice, love and mercy and walk humbly."
• [44:15] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "Vote for those who lift us up rather than tear us down."

Key Takeaways:

• Experience and Competence: Scott Stringer leverages his extensive public service background to position himself as the ideal candidate to lead New York City, emphasizing his ability to tackle corruption and manage the city's finances effectively.

• Combatting Antisemitism: A pressing concern, with Stringer advocating for increased political engagement to protect the Jewish community and counter rising hatred.

• Affordability and Housing: Addressing the high cost of living in NYC is crucial, with concrete plans proposed to expand affordable housing and reduce childcare costs.

• Interfaith Collaboration: Building strong alliances across different religious communities is essential for fostering unity and combating hate.

• Democratic Party Dynamics: While acknowledging current challenges, Stringer remains committed to working within the Democratic Party to address antisemitism and uphold Jewish values.

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Scott Stringer's vision for New York City, his dedication to the Jewish community, and his strategies to navigate the complex political landscape ahead of the mayoral race.