Tel Aviv vice mayor challenges Mamdani to boxing match over anti-Israel rhetoric

Tel Aviv's Vice Mayor Guy Avner has challenged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to a sporting event, such as boxing, tennis, basketball or chess, in response to Mamdani's anti-Israel rhetoric. Avner, a military reservist, accused Mamdani of promoting hostility toward Jews and Israel through his statements and support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.

Avner stated that the proposed event could raise funds for charity and promote dialogue between the two municipal leaders, rather than being a mere political spectacle. The challenge followed a video where Avner invited Mamdani to a charity event, stating that Mamdani could choose the beneficiary and select the sport to be played.

Avner highlighted Mamdani's alleged support for calls to "globalize the intifada" and his use of the term "genocide" when discussing Israel, which led Avner to feel compelled to respond as an Israeli, a Jew and a military reservist. He argued that Mamdani's rhetoric was contributing to antisemitic activity in New York and elsewhere.

Avner emphasized that the event could support a cause chosen by both sides, rather than being solely political. He expressed frustration that Israel's image had deteriorated internationally, particularly in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Avner maintained that the proposed contest would preserve the confrontation at its core, inviting Mamdani to "throw some punches at us" for a good cause.