New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Won't Join Protests Against Netanyahu at UN

New York City Mayor Eric Adams's aide, Zohran Mamdani, has clarified that he will not participate in any planned protests during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly on September 24. Mamdani had previously drawn criticism from Jewish and Israeli organizations in July for remarks he made regarding anticipated protests. At that time, when asked about potential demonstrations against Netanyahu, he stated, "If someone feels frustration or opposition, protest is something we will always respect. I leave it to the residents of New York themselves to make the decision."

Speaking to reporters, Mamdani now stated, "I have no plans to participate in any demonstration at the UN General Assembly." He further clarified, "Regarding the residents of New York, I never called on them to protest. What I have always said is that they have the right to do so in the city."

In July, Mamdani caused controversy after telling The New York Times that he would act to arrest Netanyahu during his visit to the city, following the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, he later released a video admitting he lacked the legal authority to carry out this threat.

Two weeks ago, Mamdani visited a Judaica store in the Hasidic neighborhood of Borough Park in Brooklyn ahead of Rosh Hashanah, meeting with local leaders and residents. Videos shared by local media showed Mamdani touring the store, speaking with community members, and wishing them "Shana Tova" (Happy New Year).

Mamdani's visit also led to a confrontation, where an agitated woman approached him, accusing him of exacerbating antisemitic incidents in the city. "Because of you, we have so much antisemitism... You have the audacity to come here," she told him.