New York, NY – Just a day after being sworn in, New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani is facing sharp criticism from Israel following decisions to lift restrictions related to boycotting Tel Aviv and to rescind the city’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a statement on Friday accusing Mayor Mamdani of revealing his “true face” in his first day in office. The ministry characterized the moves as “pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism.”
Mayor Mamdani has repeatedly denied accusations of antisemitism, asserting that his criticism of Israeli policies is based on concerns about human rights. He has pledged to protect New York City’s Jewish community while maintaining his stance on Middle Eastern politics.
Further fueling the controversy, Mayor Mamdani has appointed attorney Ramzi Kassem as the city’s General Counsel. Praising Kassem’s “extensive legal experience” and “commitment to defending marginalized communities,” Mamdani stated the appointment aligns with his vision of building a “more just and prosperous” city.
However, Kassem’s appointment has drawn criticism from pro-Israel circles, citing his professional background, including his role as an immigration policy advisor in the Biden White House, his defense of individuals accused in terrorism-related cases and detainees at Guantanamo Bay, and his representation of student activists involved in anti-Israel protests on college campuses.
The attacks on Mayor Mamdani are not new. In November, following Mamdani’s election victory, Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli launched a scathing attack, claiming on social media that “New York handed the keys to a supporter of Hamas,” a label frequently used by Israeli officials against critics of Israeli policies.
The controversy surrounding Mayor Mamdani’s early actions suggests a tense relationship with Israel and its supporters, setting the stage for potential challenges during his tenure.
