Mamdani fans flames of antisemitism by pairing false allyship with anti-Israel rhetoric - editorial
As long as the mayor continues to spew his accusations of “horrific genocide” against Israel and refuses to condemn phrases like “globalize the intifada,” he’s part of the problem, not the solution.
Anti-Israel rhetoric by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is intertwining with antisemitic attacks, causing a dangerous cycle. A recent incident at Central Synagogue involved Larry Montes, who allegedly attacked a woman, assaulted a security guard, and hurled antisemitic remarks. Mamdani condemned the attack, stating, "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."
However, Mamdani's rhetoric remains a problem. He frequently describes Israel's war in Gaza as a "genocide" and has even called for the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal. This rhetoric has been fueling anti-Israel sentiment and increasing the risk of hate crimes against Jewish communities. Just a month ago, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl had warned Mamdani about the dangers of his anti-Israel statements.
Ten New York rabbis also met with Mamdani at City Hall to express their concerns about his comments and their impact on the Jewish community.
Despite Mamdani's condemnation, 56.9% of all hate crimes in New York City in 2026 targeted Jews, despite the group making up only 10% of the city's population. While Mamdani's administration has increased funding for hate crime prevention, his continued emphasis on anti-Israel rhetoric and refusal to condemn certain phrases or events contribute to the problem.
New York Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres echoed these concerns, stating that the political climate surrounding Israel is emboldening antisemitism. The Simon Wiesenthal Center also noted that attacks against Jews are not isolated incidents but are rooted in a climate that dismisses antisemitism and tolerates hateful language. This dangerous cycle continues, endangering the Jewish community in New York City.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
