Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels and Republican mayoral candidate, continues to set himself apart in the race for New York City’s highest office. His commitment to public safety, his hands-on approach to addressing homelessness and mental health issues, and his unwavering support for the Jewish community have been hallmarks of his campaign.
Recently, Sliwa was the guest of honor at a vibrant birthday celebration at Katch Astoria, where friends, family, and political allies gathered to mark his 71st year. Hosted by his wife, Nancy, the event brought together notable Republican figures, including Brooklyn GOP Chair Richard Barsamian, Queens GOP Chair Tony Nunziato, and members of Sliwa’s campaign team. Among the attendees was Jewish community leader Alan Sherman, underscoring the event’s broad support from the Jewish community.
Sliwa, who has already secured the endorsement of all five borough Republican chairs, addressed his supporters with his remarkable energy and conviction. He reinforced his campaign’s focus on restoring public safety, improving education, and rejecting Mayor Eric Adams’ controversial “City of Yes” initiative, which he criticized for its detrimental impact on residential neighborhoods. “This city is spiraling out of control,” Sliwa declared. “We need leadership that actually walks the streets, talks to people, and understands what’s really happening.”
As Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that he will bypass the Democratic primary and instead seek re-election as an independent, the Democratic primary itself has become increasingly competitive. Adams has called himself a friend of the Jews, often giving stirring pro-Israel speeches and condemning in words the antisemitism that has gripped the city.
Several Democratic candidates, including Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, Scott Stringer, Brad Lander, Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Zohran Mamdani, recently courted support from Rev. Al Sharpton at his National Action Network forum. Sharpton, a figure whose infamous history includes controversial involvement in fueling and inciting the Crown Heights Riots, has long been viewed as a gatekeeper for candidates seeking support from New York’s Black voters.
Cuomo, in an effort to appeal to Jewish voters, recently spoke at the West Side Institutional Synagogue, donning a yellow pin in solidarity with Israeli hostages in Gaza. He declared the fight against antisemitism as the city’s most pressing priority, citing his past support for Israel and his commitment to combating hate crimes. However, Cuomo’s appearance at Sharpton’s event underscores the balancing act many Democratic candidates perform in their quest for votes.
One must put all this in perspective in a post-October 7th world and heightened climate of rising antisemitism and harassment of Jewish university students on college campuses, including the infamous Columbia University pro-Hamas campus takeover.
Unlike his Democratic opponents, Sliwa has never sought nor will seek Sharpton’s endorsement. His track record speaks for itself—during the Crown Heights Riots of the early 1990s, when Jewish residents faced violent attacks, Sliwa and the Guardian Angels were on the front lines, not only in words but in deeds, providing protection and support to the Orthodox Jewish community while the NYPD was ordered to stand down. Their presence was not merely symbolic; they patrolled day and night for months, ensuring the safety of Jewish residents when city leadership failed them. “We were there in the streets, for forty days and forty nights, protecting the community while the then-administration failed to do so,” said Sliwa, reminiscing about those dark days of NYC. In recognition of his efforts, the revered Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, personally blessed Sliwa and his Guardian Angels.
Sliwa’s campaign continues to resonate with New Yorkers who value his decades of service and his unwavering stance on public safety and community protection. As he positions himself as a true alternative to the political establishment, his supporters remain energized by his leadership and commitment to making New York City a safer and more livable place. With grassroots momentum growing, Sliwa’s campaign stands as a testament to his hands-on approach and lifelong dedication to the people of New York.
By Robert Pearl
