New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced intense backlash on October 7, 2026, after marking the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks with a statement that largely condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The remarks drew sharp rebukes from Jewish community leaders and elected officials who accused the mayor of weaponizing the solemn day.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani dedicated the vast majority of his written statement marking the anniversary to criticizing the Israeli government, while spending less than a quarter of the text on the unthinkable loss suffered when Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 others on October 7, 2023. Data released by the New York Police Department indicated that anti-Jewish offenses had jumped by at least 8 percent over the preceding year, alongside a nearly 16 percent surge in overall hate crimes. According to public schedules, the mayor’s October 7, 2026 itinerary included participating in an evening memorial vigil at 7:00 p.m., followed two hours later by a scheduled meeting with Palestinian New York residents.
Earlier in the day, the mayor’s public schedule also included an interview on Univision’s program ¡Despierta América!
, participation in the annual memorial ceremony of the New York Fire Department, and an appearance on NY1’s pre-recorded program Out of Office With The Mayor.
Jewish Leaders Condemn Anniversary Statement
The mayor’s remarks immediately drew condemnation from prominent religious and political figures across New York City who argued that shifting the focus to Gaza undermined the historical weight of the massacre.
“You are weaponizing a day meant for mourning the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust to recycle your usual anti-zionist talking points.”
Moshe Spern, president of the United Jewish Teachers group
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, similarly criticized the address for lacking basic empathy toward grieving communities.
Consul General Ofir Akunis Issues Direct Challenge
During an official memorial ceremony commemorating the October 7 massacre, which was attended by about 1,000 people, the Consul General of Israel in New York, Ofir Akunis, publicly and formally challenged Mayor Mamdani. Akunis delivered a speech addressing world leaders, presidents, prime ministers, public officials, and mayors who continue to criticize Israel, before detailing a direct invitation sent to the mayor’s office.
In a letter sent directly to the mayor, Akunis stated that rhetoric against the State of Israel serves as the fundamental reason for the rise of antisemitism in New York City. The Israeli diplomat publicly invited the mayor to attend a screening of a horror film documenting the events of October 7, which was organized by the Israeli consulate in the city.
“Perhaps after watching this film, you will truly understand why the Jewish State is so important, why we will continue to defend ourselves, no matter against whom, and no matter when.”
Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York
Akunis urged the mayor to confront the foundational violence committed against innocent civilians rather than attempting to appease a new political base through empty criticism and what he described as cowardly actions and weakness.
City Officials Offer Contrasting Responses
The mayor’s framing stood in sharp contrast to statements released by other high-ranking New York officials.
“Today, on the anniversary of the horrific October 7th terrorist attack, the focus should be on remembering the more than 1,200 people who were murdered by Hamas and the suffering of the 251 people who were taken hostage.”
Julie Menin, City Council Speaker