By COLlive staff
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani distanced himself from an anti-Israel protest outside Park East Synagogue, where demonstrators chanted “Death to the IDF” and “Globalize the intifada.”
His spokesperson told JewishInsider.com he “discouraged the language used” and believes every New Yorker should be able to enter a house of worship without intimidation.
At the same time, Mamdani criticized the synagogue’s event itself — a Nefesh B’Nefesh program offering information on immigrating to Israel — saying such gatherings “should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law.” His team later clarified that he was referring to the organization’s promotion of settlement activity beyond the Green Line.
Mamdani’s election has stirred concern among Jewish New Yorkers amid rising antisemitic incidents. While he has pledged to increase protection for Jewish institutions, he has not explicitly condemned slogans like “globalize the intifada,” raising questions about how he will navigate such issues as mayor.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul both denounced the protest, calling the chants “vile” and the demonstration a “shameful” intimidation of a Jewish house of worship.
VIDEO: Disturbing images
We need to mobilize and respond to these people. But it does occur to me, the idiocy of protesting to make some of the richest people in NYC uncomfortable. What will be the result? Those rich people will leave and say the h-ll with NY.
Financially successful people often are persistent, determined, strategic and can also learn how to navigate a Mamdani mayored NYC too.
Nothing to navigate. I personally find reasons to want to be in the NY area. However, a random rich person who finds nothing particularly unique about NY, can very logically decide to relocate to somewhere they are not despised by the local government on the basis of being Jewish. And they will.
And if Nefesh BNefesh didn’t make a convincing enough presentation, the “protestors” and Mamdani sure did. We want Moshiach now. Let’s all go.
It says a lot when kathy hochul is considered the normal voice.
The last person to leave nyc should turn off the lights.
Recognize that all of the land that Israel captured in 1967 belongs to Israel. Problem solved.
Aliya is not an activity in violation of international law. But even if Nefesh B’Nefesh had been involved in selling land in ארץ ישראל, it would still not be in violation of international law. This mayor elect is disgusting.
He does not oppose the CH eruv. Thank you.