NYC Politician Quits Women’s Caucus Over Anti-Israel Stance and Woke Policies

In a bold move against what she calls an “anti-Israel” and “woke” agenda, Brooklyn GOP Councilwoman Inna Vernikov has officially resigned from the New York City Council’s Women’s Caucus. Citing the caucus’ refusal to denounce Hamas’ brutal attacks on Israeli civilians, Vernikov declared, “I’m out!” in a fiery video message.

Breaking Ties Over Principle

Vernikov, 40, posted a 90-second video first obtained by The Post, blasting the 30-member caucus for failing to condemn Hamas after the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel. “How can I stand in a group that claims to protect women’s rights but won’t even acknowledge the rape, abuse, and captivity of Jewish women?” Vernikov asked, referencing the horrific accounts of hostages held by Hamas.

Her statement came alongside harrowing images of Israeli women being freed from Hamas captivity, their faces etched with fear. “These aren’t just terrorists,” she said in the video, “these are jihadists who target Jewish women, yet this caucus stays silent.”

The Final Straw

The councilwoman also took issue with the caucus’ inclusion of members who “identify as women,” allowing biological males to join. “This is a Women’s Caucus that cannot even define what a woman is,” Vernikov stated. “If we can’t agree on basic biology, how can we fight for women’s rights?”

Her frustration reached a tipping point when caucus leaders insisted that members release their own personal statements on Hamas rather than issuing a unified condemnation. “The selective outrage is deafening,” Vernikov said. “When it comes to women’s rights, they cherry-pick what’s politically convenient.”

Pushback from Democratic Leadership

The caucus’ co-chair, Julie Menin (D-Manhattan), and member Lynn Schulman (D-Queens) dismissed Vernikov’s resignation as political posturing. “Some of us have personally met with hostage families,” the two Jewish Democrats said in a joint statement. “We felt that was more powerful than a blanket statement.”

Menin, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and Schulman visited Israel in 2024 and claim they have been vocal in their support for hostages. However, their refusal to issue a formal condemnation of Hamas has sparked outrage among conservative and pro-Israel groups.

A History of Clashes

This is not the first time Vernikov has stepped away from the caucus. She, along with fellow Republicans Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino of Queens, previously resigned in 2022 over similar ideological clashes. At the time, they claimed their voices were being ignored. They later rejoined, hoping for change—but Vernikov now says the caucus remains “a lost cause.”

With her departure, the Women’s Caucus now consists of 26 Democrats and just three Republicans, a shift from its peak of 31 members after the historic 2021 election when women gained majority control of the City Council.

A Fighter for Israel

A staunch defender of Israel, Vernikov gained national attention in October 2023 when she was spotted carrying a firearm at an anti-Israel rally at Brooklyn College. Though she was arrested on felony gun charges, the case was ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence that the weapon was operable.

The incident, rather than derailing her career, solidified her support among Brooklyn’s Jewish community. Pundits argue it played a key role in her re-election, as voters in Sheepshead Bay and other southern Brooklyn neighborhoods rallied behind her unapologetic stance.

Looking Ahead

Vernikov has not ruled out further political action. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “I will continue to stand for truth, for women’s rights, and for Israel—whether the woke left likes it or not.”

Her departure from the Women’s Caucus underscores the growing ideological divide within New York City politics, with battle lines drawn over Israel, gender identity, and what it truly means to stand up for women.