New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani Criticizes US Support for Israel and Denies Backing Jewish State

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, representing the progressive wing of his party, publicly criticized US policy in the Middle East and questioned Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. In an interview with ABC, Mamdani stated he supports Israel only if it guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, rejecting any state that privileges one religion over others. He explicitly said, "I do not support Israel as a Jewish state," emphasizing his belief in complete equality for all people.

Mamdani also condemned the billions of US taxpayer dollars allocated to Israel's military aid, claiming American voters no longer want to fund conflicts in the Middle East. He accused Israel of violating international law and causing thousands of civilian deaths. The mayor acknowledged a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in New York City, noting that although Jewish residents are a minority, they remain the majority of hate crime victims. He pledged to combat antisemitism vigorously and never accept it as normal.

In response, Israeli Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, criticized Mamdani's remarks as ignorant and hateful. Akunis highlighted that Israel's Declaration of Independence guarantees full equality to all citizens and warned that Mamdani's rhetoric could incite further violence against Jewish communities and Israelis living in New York. The exchange underscores ongoing tensions over Israel's identity and US support amid rising antisemitism in the city.