The New York Post reports that staffers in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Department of Health held an inaugural meeting of a “Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group” to study how global oppression—citing Gaza as an example—affects health equity in NYC. The group plans to examine trauma, violence and discrimination and to support colleagues impacted by these issues. The announcement follows Mamdani’s appointment of Dr. Alister Martin as health commissioner, and civil‑rights groups such as the ADL have raised concerns about ties and statements among some appointees.
NYC Health Staff Form "Global Oppression and Public Health" Working Group, Citing Gaza; ADL Flags Concerns About Some Mamdani Appointees
The "Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group" reportedly cited the "genocide" in Gaza as a factor in its mission.(Getty Images)
Members of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Department of Health convened what reporters described as the inaugural meeting of a “Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group”, according to coverage by the New York Post.
The meeting, held at the health department’s headquarters, included an hourlong presentation outlining the group’s stated purpose: to examine contemporary forms of global oppression and how those forces shape efforts to advance health equity in New York City. Presenters cited the situation in Gaza as an example of what they described as global oppression.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers his inaugural address Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, outside City Hall.
“We really developed in response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine,” a presenter said in audio obtained by the New York Post.
According to the reporting, the working group intends to study the effects of global oppression on the health and well‑being of priority communities—particularly through the lenses of trauma, violence and discrimination—and to provide support for department colleagues who are negatively affected by these issues.
Context and Reactions
The announcement came days after Mayor Mamdani named Dr. Alister Martin as commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Before his appointment, Dr. Martin founded Vot‑ER, an organization that worked to provide voter‑registration services in health‑care settings.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's appointees have come under scrutiny for alleged anti-Zionist ties.
Media coverage has been mixed. An editorial in the Washington Post described Mamdani’s incoming team as a blend of “normal bureaucrats” and “left‑wing zealots,” while other outlets have highlighted concerns raised by civil‑rights organizations.
The Anti‑Defamation League (ADL) reported in December that more than 80 people—about 20% of Mamdani’s appointees at that time—had ties to organizations or movements it described as anti‑Zionist. The ADL also cited a transition aide, Hassaan Chaudhary, for previously describing Israel as “barbaric” and for using the word “Jew” in a pejorative context, according to the organization. The ADL said several other appointees had made statements that it interpreted as supporting or justifying violence against Israel and the Oct. 7 attacks.
New York City Hall and the Department of Health did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and coverage cited reporting by the New York Post, the ADL, the Washington Post and other outlets.
What This Means
Supporters of the working group say studying the health impacts of global oppression can inform services for communities affected by trauma and discrimination. Critics view the group and certain appointments as politically charged and have raised concerns about divisive rhetoric among some transition staff and appointees. The developments add to ongoing debate about priorities and personnel in the new mayoral administration.
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