Israel’s Foreign Ministry made a bold statement condemning Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on the second anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks. The timing of Mamdani’s post, which criticized both Israel and the United States while labeling their actions as “occupation and apartheid,” stirred significant backlash. The ministry’s statement characterized Mamdani as a purveyor of Hamas propaganda, calling his remarks a “mouthpiece” for the terrorist organization. It highlighted the stark contrast between Mamdani’s rhetoric and the realities faced by the victims of Hamas’s attacks, stating, “He stands with Jews only when they are dead. Shameful.”
Mamdani’s post acknowledged the tragedy inflicted by Hamas, noting the death of over 1,100 Israelis and the abduction of 250 more. He expressed mourning for these losses, stating, “I mourn these lives and pray for the safe return of every hostage.” Yet, he did not stop there. He turned his attention to Israel’s military response, accusing it of engaging in a “genocidal war” with a casualty count “far exceeding 67,000.” His description of Gaza as a place “where grief itself has run out of language” reflects a depth of sorrow, but it also illustrates his complicated stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In his calls for the end of “occupation and apartheid,” Mamdani aligned himself with a controversial view held by many critics of Israel. His assertion that the U.S. must hold those “responsible to account” further fueled concerns among Jewish leaders and advocates. The ramifications of his statements are significant, especially in a city like New York, where many Jewish constituents are watching closely. Yuval David, a Jewish activist, echoed these fears, foreseeing a potential exodus of the Jewish community from New York City should Mamdani win.
The context surrounding Mamdani’s campaign has raised eyebrows. Critics have pointed to his past hesitancy to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” viewed by many as an inflammatory rallying cry against Israel. After months of avoiding a direct denouncement of the slogan, Mamdani finally told business leaders in a closed-door meeting that he would discourage its use moving forward. However, this change of heart came too late for some observers, who view it as insufficient to allay deeper concerns about his alignment with anti-Israel sentiments.
In a prior interview, Mamdani had been pressed to denounce the phrase again and again but declined, attempting to justify his position. He warned against the dangers of dictating acceptable language, asserting, “To start to walk down the line of language and making clear what language I believe is permissible or impermissible” could lead to oppressive practices. This remark has drawn criticism, as many interpret it as an avoidance of responsibility for his past associations.
Furthermore, Mamdani’s support for movements like BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) against Israel reflects a broader trend among some progressive activists. The antisemitism awareness group Canary Mission responded to his October 7 comments by accusing him of paying “lip service” to the condemnation of Hamas violence while directing more criticism towards Israel’s actions. Such perceptions may deeply affect public sentiment, especially among those who feel that his views undermine the safety and dignity of Jewish people.
Mamdani’s evolving narrative and public positioning highlight the complexities of contemporary political discourse, especially in relation to sensitive historical and geopolitical issues. As he campaigns for mayor, the weight of his words and the interpretations they inspire will likely carry significant implications for his candidacy and for New York City’s diverse populace.
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