NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state sparks fierce backlash from a prominent Jewish leader who warns New Yorkers of the “dangerous” candidate.
Key Takeaways
- Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, has labeled NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as “incredibly dangerous” for New Yorkers and the Jewish community
- Mamdani faces criticism for his reluctance to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and his use of the term “genocide” regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza
- Despite accusations, Mamdani claims his campaign proposes more funding to combat antisemitism than his opponents and promises to protect Jewish New Yorkers
- Hikind expresses alarm over Mamdani’s success in the Democratic primary, viewing it as a dangerous indicator of rising antisemitism
- Hikind also criticizes Jewish organizations for hosting Mamdani despite his controversial views
Jewish Leader Sounds Alarm on Mamdani’s Candidacy
Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and former New York State Assemblyman, has issued a stark warning about NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. In recent statements, Hikind declared there “shouldn’t be any question” that Mamdani is “dangerous for the people of New York and for the Jewish community in particular.” The criticism centers on Mamdani’s positions regarding Israel and what Hikind characterizes as troubling stances on issues affecting Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani, a Muslim and current State Assemblyman, has gained traction in the Democratic primary, which Hikind views as deeply concerning.
“He has trouble recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. It’s very pathetic that any Jewish organization that has any self-respect would permit him or host them in any fashion … why this person is even permitted into an event, for me personally as a proud Jew, it’s embarrassing,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
Dov Hikind to Newsmax: NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani 'Dangerous' https://t.co/lLoYi7tsrh
— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) May 25, 2025
Controversial Statements and Defensive Response
At the heart of the controversy are Mamdani’s statements regarding Israel, particularly his apparent reluctance to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state and his use of the term “genocide” when referring to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. These positions have drawn intense criticism from Hikind and others in the Jewish community who view such rhetoric as dangerous, especially amid rising antisemitism in New York City. Mamdani has faced additional scrutiny over allegations that he refused to sign a Jewish resolution, further fueling concerns about his stance toward Jewish constituents.
“Mamdani is in a class by himself. He is danger personified. Look, he’s not going to win the Democratic primary. What concerns me is the fact that he’s doing so well. That is a dangerous indication,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
In response to mounting criticism, Mamdani released a video defending himself against accusations of refusing to condemn the Holocaust. He claimed his campaign proposes more funding to combat antisemitism than his opponents and promised to protect Jewish New Yorkers if elected mayor. Despite these assurances, Hikind remains unconvinced, suggesting that Mamdani’s rhetoric and policy positions present a genuine threat to the safety and well-being of New York’s Jewish population, which is one of the largest in the world outside of Israel.
Broader Criticism of Progressive Politicians
Hikind’s criticism extends beyond Mamdani to include other progressive politicians whom he blames for creating an atmosphere permissive of antisemitism. “I blame people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders and the rest of that clique,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
The controversy highlights growing tensions within New York City politics over Israel and antisemitism. Hikind expressed particular dismay that some Jewish organizations have hosted Mamdani despite his controversial views, calling it “embarrassing” for proud Jews. With antisemitic incidents on the rise nationally and particularly in New York City, the mayoral race has become a flashpoint for debates about how city leadership should address these concerns. Hikind maintains that Mamdani’s candidacy represents a troubling trend that should alarm all New Yorkers concerned about religious tolerance and community safety.
