New York Public Library Hosted Benjamin Moser Event
The library faced criticism after hosting author Benjamin Moser for a discussion on anti-Zionism.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars
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The New York Public Library hosted author Benjamin Moser at its Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to discuss his book, Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History. The event, moderated by Rashid Khalidi, drew criticism from figures including Dov Hikind.
Why it matters
The library defended the event as a demonstration of its commitment to intellectual freedom and First Amendment protections. The program has since prompted inquiry from the office of City Council Speaker Julie Menin.
The New York Public Library maintains an active schedule, hosting more than 100 events annually. Benjamin Moser participated in the series while serving as a 2025-26 fellow at the institution's Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers.
The players
Benjamin Moser
He is a writer and a 2025-26 fellow at the NYPL Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers.
Rashid Khalidi
He served as the moderator for the event discussion at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Dov Hikind
He is a critic who publicly accused the library of hosting antisemitic rhetoric.
Julie Menin
She is the City Council Speaker whose office contacted the library regarding the event.
The details
The event featured Benjamin Moser discussing the history of anti-Zionism alongside moderator Rashid Khalidi. Critics, including Dov Hikind, accused the institution of providing a platform for antisemitic rhetoric, leading the office of City Council Speaker Julie Menin to request information about the event.
Timeline
The library event featuring Benjamin Moser occurred on September 22, 2026.
Benjamin Moser serves as a fellow at the NYPL for the 2025-26 term.
Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Industry Dynamics
Public institutions frequently navigate the balance between broad platform access and community expectations regarding discourse. This event follows the pattern of debates over the application of the First Amendment protections within taxpayer-supported research centers.
The controversy may influence how the library selects speakers or moderates future public panels regarding sensitive political topics. Residents and library patrons can monitor upcoming event calendars to see if programming procedures for future lectures are adjusted.
The takeaway
Institutions must often balance their mandate for open intellectual inquiry with the political sensitivities of the communities they serve. This situation serves as a reminder that public venues hosting academic fellows remain subject to significant local political oversight.
Further reading
For more information on current public programming and debates, visit the Lecture and Seminars section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jewish Voice.
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