Maya Kornberg, a Jewish Democrat residing in Brooklyn’s 39th City Council district, has positioned herself as a “pragmatic progressive” in her campaign against incumbent Councilwoman Shahana Hanif. Kornberg’s platform emphasizes combating hate, ensuring reliable constituent services, and delivering tangible improvements across the district. December 27, 2024 cityandstateny.com
A significant aspect of Kornberg’s campaign stems from concerns within the Jewish community regarding Hanif’s stance on Israel. Hanif has faced criticism for her vocal criticism of Israel, including her characterization of the conflict as a “genocide.” December 5, 2025 algemeiner.com This rhetoric has reportedly unsettled many Jewish constituents in the district, prompting Kornberg to challenge Hanif’s position.
In December 2024, Kornberg announced her intention to run for the City Council seat, stating, “I am thrilled to announce that I’m running for NYC Council in District 39! With the Trump presidency looming, local governance is more important than ever, and the City Council is our best line of defense.” December 5, 2025 algemeiner.com
Kornberg’s campaign has gained financial backing from prominent figures, including billionaires Leonard Stern, Alice Tisch, and Russian oligarch Len Blavatnik. March 19,2024 wikipedia.org This support underscores the significance of her challenge to Hanif, highlighting the deep divisions within the district over issues related to Israel and broader political representation.
In summary, Maya Kornberg’s stance on Israel is characterized by a commitment to addressing concerns within the Jewish community, advocating for pragmatic progressivism, and challenging the incumbent’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
