Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is under scrutiny once again as old photographs of him meeting Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat in 2000 have resurfaced amid his campaign for New York City mayor. The images, captured during a three-day diplomatic trip to Israel when Cuomo served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, have reignited intense debate over his political actions.
Cuomo doesn’t do what’s right, he does what’s politically expedient, for him & him alone. He’s a sociopath who cares only about himself. @HikindDov was someone I always respected during our service in the Assembly& he’s as right now as he was then. https://t.co/XKR0KCHS5S
— Steve McLaughlin (@SteveMcNY) March 6, 2025
Controversial Meeting Sparks Outrage
The June 23, 2000 meeting between Cuomo and Arafat has provoked fierce criticism from various Jewish activists. Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and a former Brooklyn Assemblyman, condemned the encounter vehemently. “Cuomo doesn’t do what’s right, he does what’s politically expedient, for him & him alone,” he expressed on social media, labeling Cuomo a “sociopath” who only cares about himself.
Hikind went even further in his condemnation of Arafat, stating, “The only acceptable photo with Yasser Arafat is putting a knife in his back. Arafat was a pure, unadulterated terrorist; he was a real monster.” These sentiments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding Arafat’s legacy, which remains deeply divisive even after his death in 2004.
Arafat’s Controversial Legacy
Yasser Arafat is often remembered for his contentious role in Middle Eastern politics. He was accused of instigating the second intifada against Israel following the breakdown of peace negotiations at Camp David. Although the PLO denied any claims of Arafat’s involvement in terrorism, Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al-Zahar later alleged that Arafat had directed Hamas to conduct military operations against Israel after failing to secure favorable terms in negotiations. Furthermore, Arafat’s wife, Suha, confirmed these allegations in a 2010 interview, indicating her husband orchestrated several attacks.
During his visit to Israel, Cuomo also held talks with then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and announced the creation of a binational commission aimed at improving housing and community development. This initiative came amidst an active effort by the Clinton administration to broker peace between Israel and Palestinian territories.
Our city is in crisis. That’s why I am running to be Mayor of New York City. We need government to work. We need effective leadership. https://t.co/a0vVYRF4iP pic.twitter.com/JIrhD1Edqs
— Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) March 1, 2025
Renewed Attention Amidst Political Climate
The New York Post first published these photos in 2002 during Cuomo’s unsuccessful bid for governor. As he now seeks the mayoral office, the images have gained renewed attention against the backdrop of escalating debates about antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment within New York City’s political landscape. The timing has proven particularly sensitive given heightened discussions around these issues across metropolitan areas nationwide.
Despite the backlash, not all Jewish leaders expressed disapproval of the meeting. Lawyer Matthew Schweber, a member of the Columbia University Jewish Alumni Association, defended Cuomo, characterizing him as “the last bulwark against the menace of ‘Defund the Police’ and ‘Death to Israel.’” Schweber contrasted Cuomo with his primary opponents, Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani, whom he accused of representing an alliance between the Socialist Left and the Muslim Brotherhood infiltrating the Democratic Party under the guise of progressivism.
Cuomo’s Campaign Response
Cuomo’s campaign spokesman, Richard Azzopardi, has vigorously defended the former governor, asserting that “There has been no greater ally and supporter of the Jewish people and Israel than Andrew Cuomo.” He contextualized the 2000 meeting as part of the Clinton administration’s peace negotiations, noting that “unfortunately, as history has shown, those peace talks were ultimately not successful.”
As the campaign progresses, Cuomo’s team appears to be framing the resurfaced photographs as old news, pointing out that the New York Post had reported on the same story 25 years ago. The fallout from the renewed interest in these images may play a significant role in shaping public perception of Cuomo as he approaches the election.
