A controversy erupts at New York City Hall as a special events coordinator's actions spark outrage among Jewish activists and political leaders.
According to the New York Post, Nallah Sutherland, a 25-year-old employee of the Mayor's Office of Special Projects and Community Events, has been indefinitely suspended without pay after being caught on video tearing down and destroying an Israeli hostage poster on the Upper East Side.
The incident, which occurred on November 2 at York Avenue and East 84th Street, was captured on video and shared by Jews of NY and StopAntisemitism. Sutherland was filmed not only removing and destroying the poster but also allegedly assaulting a bystander who confronted her about her actions.
The Mayor's Office initially responded with minimal disciplinary action, requiring Sutherland to undergo multicultural training and adding a note to her permanent work file. This lenient approach drew criticism from various quarters, including Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres.
Mayor Eric Adams, known for his strong support of Israel, was reportedly not involved in the initial disciplinary decision.
Upon learning of the situation, he intervened, agreeing with critics that stronger action was necessary against the staffer whose role ironically involved fostering unity and bridging cultural divides.
The incident has particularly resonated within New York's Jewish community, as the destroyed poster was part of a public awareness campaign about Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, terror attack.
Sutherland, who began working for Adams in 2023 with an annual salary of $61,135, held a position that involved planning celebrations at Gracie Mansion and other venues to honor the city's diverse communities. The mayor's office has since removed the website link featuring Sutherland and other staffers.
StopAntisemitism's executive director, Liora Rez, expressed dissatisfaction with the current disciplinary measures. She stated:
While this is a positive step toward holding this vile antisemite accountable, it falls far short of what justice demands. Nallah Sutherland must be fired immediately, and Mayor Adams' office must set a powerful example in New York City by taking a firm stand against bigotry toward Jews. Words alone are not enough—actions speak louder than anything.
The confrontation was captured in a 20-second video clip, where a witness can be heard challenging Sutherland's actions. When questioned, Sutherland allegedly responded by attempting to knock the witness's phone away, leading to accusations of assault.
A City Hall staffer's actions against Israeli hostage awareness materials have resulted in an indefinite suspension without pay, pending further investigation. The incident occurred when Nallah Sutherland, whose role involved promoting cultural unity, was filmed destroying a poster meant to raise awareness about Hamas hostages on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict's impact on New York City communities, with Mayor Eric Adams's administration now facing pressure to take decisive action against antisemitic behavior within its own ranks.
While Sutherland remains suspended, Jewish advocacy groups continue to call for her permanent termination from her position at the Mayor's Office of Special Projects and Community Events.
