JewBelong Taxi Ad Criticizing Mamdani Removed

Taxi ad targeting Mamdani’s free bus plan removed after complaints; JewBelong stands firm against what they call censorship.

Taxi Ad Criticizing Mamdani’s Free Bus Plan Removed

A taxi ad reading “Not gonna hide my Jewish star for a free bus ride” has been taken down after The Post reported on it. The ad, run by the group JewBelong, was a swipe at Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s free bus plan.

Jamie Lowe, executive VP of ad firm Somo, told JewBelong he removed the digital ad from yellow cabs after complaints. “The ad that’s running is obviously somewhat anti- the mayor of New York City,” Lowe said during a Tuesday call, citing the article and complaints. He clarified he spoke to Ron Sherman of the Metropolitan Taxi Board of Trade, not the Taxi and Limousine Commission overseen by Mamdani.

Lowe suggested JewBelong revise the ad to remove the reference to Mamdani’s plan, but the group refused. JewBelong said it was the first time in five years one of its ads had been censored. “Pulling it sends a chilling message that speaking out against hate is acceptable, until it makes someone uncomfortable. We refuse to be silent,” said co-founder Archie Gottesman.

JewBelong is a national non-profit organization, often recognized by its bright pink and white billboards, aimed at fighting rising antisemitism.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also condemned the removal. “Suppressing awareness does not reduce antisemitism,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.

The TLC said it had no role in the ad’s removal. Spokesman Jason Kersten said the ads did not violate any rules and the agency had received no complaints.