To the Editor:

The New York Times's unconscious bias towards the Jewish community continues to manifest itself in new and harmful ways. The latest staggering example, occurring yesterday evening, was an online headline that placed blame for Representative Jamaal Bowman's primary defeat at the feet of Jews. It is true that pro-Israel groups contributed significant financial resources to the race, which is not surprising given Mr. Bowman's extremist positions and past statements about Israel (including that reports of Hamas's sexual assaults against women on October 7th were Israeli "propaganda"). But there is no excuse for a prominent headline stating Mr. Bowman was "Overtaken by Flood of Pro-Israel Money." 

Implying that Jewish and pro-Israel donors unfairly tipped the scales has serious consequences. Not only does it feed a dreadful antisemitic stereotype, it does a disservice to voters in the 16th Congressional district who made their voices heard, loud and clear. Equally troubling was the Times's recent A1 profile of pro-Israel advocate Miriam Adelson, which played upon those same stereotypes.

The Times has an ethical and moral obligation to recognize the impact of its reporting. In recent years, the Times's leadership has been upfront about its commitment to diversity and recognizing unconscious bias – no doubt an important effort. We simply ask that this standard is applied to the Jewish community, as well.

Eric S. Goldstein
Chief Executive Officer
UJA-Federation of New York