New York mayor’s October 7 statement accusing Israel of genocide draws rebukes from Jewish leaders

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked the October 7 anniversary with a statement accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, drawing backlash from Jewish leaders and Israel’s UN ambassador.

• On the October 7 anniversary, Mamdani acknowledged the “horrific war crimes” of Hamas’ 2023 attack and accused Israel of a “devastating, ongoing genocide” in Gaza.
• Mamdani said Israel has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians, including over 21,000 children, and more than 1,400 since the ceasefire, with US tax dollars funding “these war crimes.”
• ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt accused Mamdani of “weaponizing” the mourning day for “antizionist talking points,” as the ADL launched a “Mamdani Monitor.”
• Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon accused Mamdani of turning the remembrance day into another day of “promotion and propaganda against Israel.”
• Mamdani called for an end to US support for Israel, denouncing Washington's “complicity” in the Gaza war.
• In his October 7 statement, Mamdani urged people to reject a world “where occupation and apartheid continue.”
• AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups criticized his remarks, contrasting with Governor Kathy Hochul's statement.