NYC rabbis urge Mayor Mamdani to temper anti-Israel rhetoric amid rising antisemitism

Ten rabbis representing Reform, Conservative and Modern Orthodox congregations met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, pressing him to alter his approach toward the Jewish community. They argued that his outspoken opposition to Israel and criticism of prominent Jewish figures, including his refusal to denounce slogans such as “globalize the intifada,” have heightened antisemitic sentiment. The meeting followed controversy over his wife’s social-media likes of posts celebrating Hamas’s October 7 attack and Mamdani’s public call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest, labeling him a war criminal.

While the mayor’s office called the conversation open and constructive, rabbis warned that his rhetoric contributes to a climate where Jews feel vulnerable, especially as anti-Jewish incidents accounted for 57% of the city’s hate crimes in 2025. Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis accused Mamdani of using language reminiscent of Nazi Germany toward pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC. Critics also highlight policy moves like revoking the city’s use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and permitting BDS activities, raising further concerns about community safety.