Israel Invites NYC Mayor to Hamas Attack Film Screening

The Israeli Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, has invited New York City Mayor to a screening of a 47-minute IDF film documenting the Hamas attack on October 7th. The invitation comes amidst escalating tensions between the Mayor of New York and the Israeli government.

Akunis sent the Mayor of New York an official letter and also addressed him directly during a memorial ceremony hosted by the consulate, which was attended by approximately 1,000 people. Akunis sharply criticized the Mayor of New York' statements regarding Israel, urging him to watch the film to understand the actions of those he allegedly supports. "Less than 48 hours from now, on October 7, we will screen in New York a 47-minute horror film created by the IDF," Akunis stated. "I invite the Mayor of New York, the mayor of the city, to come and watch this film. For the first time, he will be able to see what the people he supports actually did, and perhaps stop his continuous incitement, hatred, and blood libels against the State of Israel."

Akunis stated that the film includes footage captured by Hamas militants themselves and suggested that viewing it would help the Mayor of New York understand the events of October 7th in a way that words cannot. He also claimed that the Mayor of New York' rhetoric against Israel is a "primary reason" for the rise in antisemitism in New York. The Mayor of New York, however, has publicly condemned the October 7th attack as a "horrific war crime" and stated his opposition to antisemitism and commitment to the safety of New York's Jewish population. He has also been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing Israel of "genocide," an accusation Israel rejects.

The invitation follows months of strained relations, during which the Mayor of New York referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and expressed a desire to see him arrested. Disagreements have also arisen over the Mayor of New York' views on Zionism and Israel's status as a Jewish state, leading him to break with the tradition of New York mayors participating in the annual pro-Israel march on Fifth Avenue. Akunis also criticized the Mayor of New York' recently announced plan to combat antisemitism, arguing that budgetary measures are insufficient while the Mayor of New York continues his sharp rhetoric against Israel.

The IDF film, compiled from footage documenting the October 7th attack, has been shown privately to journalists, diplomats, and lawmakers globally. Akunis' direct invitation to the Mayor of New York marks a significant escalation in their public confrontation.