News & Politics

Inna Vernikov’s legislative director is still a member of NYYRC, even as she’s criticized the group. John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit

New York City’s young Republicans are under scrutiny again, after New York magazine published “The New York Young Republican Club Has an Antisemitism Problem” today.

The story detailed antisemitic rhetoric shared online by an account appearing to belong to the club’s former treasurer (which he denied was his), as well as a photo of him making what looks like a Nazi salute (which he called doctored). 

That’s a particular conundrum for City Council Member Inna Vernikov, one of just five Republicans in the council, and the one who’s presented herself as a “leading voice against antisemitism.” But Vernikov had previously backed away from the club. Last December, she condemned antisemitism on the right ahead of a gala the club held that platformed white nationalist and far-right leaders. She said Tuesday she left the club and requested her name removed from its website, though web archives show it remained on the site as recently as April.

“Antisemitism has sadly become a pervasive part of social media, public discourse and daily life and I have always said it should be strongly condemned and have strongly condemned it no matter which side of the aisle it comes from,” Vernikov, who co-chairs the council’s antisemitism task force, wrote in a text today. “I will continue speaking out against this ancient evil whether it comes from the right, the left, or elsewhere.” 

Vernikov’s legislative director Troy Olson, however, is still a member of the club and serves on its leadership team according to its website. 

Meanwhile, the club is still advertising a “high tea” this weekend with Vernikov’s colleague, Republican Council Member Vickie Paladino, Politico first reported. Paladino told City & State that she hasn’t decided whether she will still attend on Saturday. “From what I understand at the moment, the member who made these comments is no longer affiliated with the NYYRC, but nevertheless I’m taking this seriously and looking into the situation,” she said in a statement, saying she’s concerned about antisemitic rhetoric “no matter where it comes from.”