New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism from Jewish leaders, pro-Israel groups, and some Democrats after his Oct. 7 anniversary statement condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as an ongoing genocide, and the statement also drew protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Mamdani’s statement, released on the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, called the Israeli government’s military campaign in Gaza an ongoing genocide
that had killed over 74,000 Palestinians, including 21,000 children, according to figures from Hamas-controlled health authorities. The remarks drew immediate condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which accused him of weaponizing a day meant for mourning the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
The ADL also highlighted that New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, has seen a 9% rise in antisemitic hate crimes in the first eight months of the year, with Jewish New Yorkers targeted in over half of all confirmed hate crimes, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Protests Across 16 States Target Mamdani
Similar protests occurred across the U.S., with at least 35 demonstrations planned across 16 states and Washington, D.C., according to Newsweek. At the vigil, Mamdani stood silently as attendees held candles and signs, while protesters hurled accusations and chants against him. One protester yelled at Israelis for Peace organizers: We don’t want peace with Israelis, bro!
Outside City Hall, more than 100 people gathered accusing Mamdani of “betrayal”. The demonstrations included chants such as Mayor Mamdani, you can’t hide we charge you with genocide
and Mayor Mamdani take a side, justice for Palestine
, as reported by the New York Post. A demonstrator held up a caricature depicting Zohran Mamdani rolling out the red carpet for Benjamin Netanyahu. The mayor’s appearance at the vigil drew sharp criticism, with some Jewish leaders accusing him of weaponizing
the tragedy. Pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israel protesters faced off in Manhattan’s Union Square.
Israeli officials and Jewish leaders condemned Mamdani’s remarks. Ambassador Ofir Akunis called the statement a disgrace, arguing it showed contempt for the memory of those who were murdered. Akunis said anyone with a heart
should be ashamed of Mamdani’s response, adding that Mamdani continues to spread antisemitic blood libels against the Jewish state. The Israeli Consulate in New York issued a statement criticizing Mamdani’s remarks. Jack Simony, the president and director general of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, remarked that Mamdani could have shown greater sensitivity on a day that is challenging for Jews.
Democratic Leaders React to Mamdani Comments
Laura Liben, a Jewish resident, noted that pro-Palestinian protesters kind of came and took over the whole thing,
but emphasized the situation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the two most powerful Democrats in Congress, remained silent on Mamdani’s remarks. Rep. Dan Goldman of New York laid into Mamdani for his comments.
Mamdani defended his stance, stating, The suffering did not begin nor end that day.
It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza.
He reiterated his criticism and called for a world in which every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.
The mayor also faced backlash from Jewish leaders, who read his post as yet another vehicle for accusing the Israeli government of genocide and apartheid.
Julie Menin, the City Council Speaker and the first Jewish individual to hold that position, presented a significantly different perspective on the observance of the anniversary during the UJA October 7th Commemoration, stating that Oct. 7 should focus on the Hamas attack, not its aftermath. Menin appeared alongside Mamdani at a press conference to announce an expansion of a program intended to get discretionary funding to nonprofit organizations faster. Meanwhile, Council Member Lincoln Restler attended the vigil with Mamdani.
Tensions and Uncertainty
The controversy highlights deepening divides in New York City, where the largest Jewish population outside Israel grapples with the legacy of Oct. 7. Pro-Palestinian groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at UCLA, framed their protests as a call for commemoration of three years of escalated genocide in Palestine, while pro-Israel advocates warned of rising antisemitism. The situation remains tense as Mamdani faces ongoing scrutiny, even as Jewish leaders urge him to honor the dead without exploiting them.
Protesters at Columbia University participated in a demonstration smaller than in past years, with only about 50 participants. Demonstrators held signs including one that read, Keep up the good work Iran. Down with U.S. imperialism.
Palestinian flags were everywhere. One demonstrator wore the traditional green headband associated with Hamas, emblazoned with the organization’s motto: There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
Chants such as when people are occupied, resistance is justified
were repeated throughout the rally.