ALBAWABA - Israel's government took aim at Zohran Mamdani on Friday, a day after he took office as New York City's mayor, over his initial policy choices concerning Israel and the definition of antisemitism.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement claiming Mamdani had lifted restrictions on boycotting Israel and had also undone New York City's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The ministry characterized these actions as damaging and accused the mayor of exacerbating antisemitism.
Mamdani has consistently denied that his positions are antisemitic, asserting that his criticisms of Israel are based on human rights issues. He has promised to protect New York's Jewish community while maintaining his stance on Middle Eastern policy.
Controversy erupted following Mamdani's selection of civil rights attorney Ramzi Kassem to serve as New York City's chief legal counsel. Mamdani lauded Kassem's legal expertise and his history of advocating for underrepresented communities, framing the appointment as aligned with his goal of a fairer city.
Pro-Israel organizations voiced their disapproval, pointing to Kassem's previous role as an immigration policy adviser under former President Joe Biden. They also highlighted his legal representation of individuals accused of terrorism, Guantanamo Bay detainees, and student activists who had participated in protests critical of Israel.
Earlier Attacks and Political Context
The Israeli government had already voiced its disapproval of Mamdani before he even took office. After his election win in November, Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, leveled accusations against Mamdani on social media, claiming he backed Hamas – a charge Mamdani has firmly rejected. Israeli officials have a history of employing similar rhetoric against those who dare to criticize Israeli policies or the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, voiced her concerns about Mamdani's election, calling it "deeply troubling" due to his political history and public pronouncements.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, secured victory in the New York mayoral race in November 2025. This made him the first Muslim to lead a city with a significant Jewish population.
He had previously stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he set foot in New York City, home to the United Nations headquarters—a statement that elicited strong reactions from Israeli officials.
This situation highlights the increasing friction between Israeli officials and prominent international figures who criticize Israel's policies, especially in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
