Mamdani Confronted by Anti-Israel Protesters at October 7 Vigil
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces backlash from pro-Palestinian protesters during an October 7 vigil, amid accusations of anti-Israel bias.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was confronted by pro-Palestinian protesters during an October 7 vigil in Union Square, where the event marked the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks. The demonstration, organized by the left-wing group Israelis for Peace NYC, saw speakers describe Israel’s actions as a “genocide,” while protesters drowned out speeches with megaphones and waved portraits of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Protesters Challenge Mayor’s Stance
During the vigil, demonstrators chanted slogans like “Death to the IDF!” and “We don’t want no two state, we want 48,” while some targeted Mamdani directly, shouting, “Zohran, what do you say? How many boots did you lick today?” The mayor, who stood alongside anti-Israel U.S. House candidate Brad Lander, was followed by an angry mob of protesters even after leaving the event, with some calling him an “opportunist piece of sh*t.”
Public Statements and Actions Raise Concerns
Despite the public appearance of neutrality, Mamdani’s rhetoric and actions have consistently aligned with the anti-Israel movement. On the same day as the vigil, he released a statement that condemned Israel’s actions as “genocide,” occupation, and “apartheid,” while accusing New Yorkers of funding “war crimes.” His remarks were followed by a visit to a Palestinian restaurant in NYC’s Upper West Side.
Community Reactions and Criticism
The Jewish Community Relations Council criticized Mamdani for failing to unite the city in mourning the October 7 victims. “It is shameful to pit the dead against each other,” the council stated, highlighting the grief of Jewish New Yorkers who had faced threats and loss. Mamdani’s public support for “Nakba Day” further drew scrutiny, as he focused on Palestinian displacement during the founding of Israel while ignoring the historical context of Jewish displacement from Arab lands.
Consistent Anti-Israel Advocacy
Mamdani’s long-standing anti-Israel advocacy includes calls for a hunger strike to pressure Biden to stop arming Israel, labeling AIPAC as “monsters,” and suggesting he might arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York. He has also pushed legislation to fine Jewish charities supporting Israel and denied Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
Source: Daily Wire
