NYC’s first Muslim mayor stands accused of enabling pro-Hamas radicals through delayed condemnations and controversial appointments, igniting fears for Jewish safety in the Big Apple.
Story Snapshot
- Pro-Palestinian protesters chanted “We support Hamas” outside a Queens synagogue, targeting a Jewish real estate event in a heavily Jewish neighborhood.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani delayed strong condemnation, first calling Hamas rhetoric merely “wrong” before labeling it a “terrorist organization.”
- Mamdani rescinded prior antisemitism protections and appointed staff with anti-Israel histories, including an antisemitism czar who criticized Hamas condemnations.
- Antisemitic incidents in NYC have nearly tripled, heightening concerns under Mamdani’s progressive leadership.
Pro-Hamas Chants Erupt Outside Queens Synagogue
PAL-Awda organized a protest on Thursday in late December 2025 outside the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills synagogue in Queens, a predominantly Jewish area. Demonstrators chanted “We support Hamas here” and displayed signs against the “sale of stolen Palestinian land,” targeting a real estate promotion for Maale Adumim in the West Bank. This marked an escalation from prior events, explicitly endorsing the terrorist group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks. No arrests followed the disruption.
Mamdani’s Delayed Response Draws Backlash
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, elected in 2025 as NYC’s first Muslim mayor, issued an initial statement on Friday deeming the rhetoric “wrong and have no place in our city,” without social media posting. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quickly labeled it “disgusting and antisemitic.” Late Friday, Mamdani strengthened his tweet: “Chants in support of a terrorist organization have no place in our city,” marking his first such reference to Hamas. Critics like pro-Israel influencer Zach Sage Fox accused him of tacit sympathy due to the delay.
History of Pro-Palestinian Activism and Key Appointments
Mamdani has long backed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, viewing it as nonviolent advocacy for equality. His first mayoral act rescinded Eric Adams’ orders broadly defining antisemitism and banning BDS by city employees. He appointed Phylisa Wisdom as antisemitism czar, a self-described “liberal Zionist” who once criticized a post condemning Hamas attacks and skipped Yom Kippur. Mamdani defended her as a “principled leader” for Jewish safety.
Ongoing Controversies Fuel Jewish Community Fears
In March 2026, a Ramadan event featured introduction by activist Akl, who previously urged Hamas strikes on Tel Aviv and burned Israeli flags. Staff issues persist, including a deputy communications director blaming Israel for hostages and campaign staffers’ pro-Hamas tweets. Amid NYC antisemitic incidents nearly tripling despite falling overall crime, Jewish leaders like Assemblyman Kalman Yeger question Mamdani’s appointments. Pro-Israel voices warn of normalized anti-Zionism.
Mayor Mamdani slammed for ties to pro-Hamas activist | National Report https://t.co/VePg9cKfMg via @YouTube
— Joe Honest Truth (@JoeHonestTruth) March 11, 2026
Broader Implications for NYC Under Progressive Rule
Mamdani balances his pro-Palestinian base with promises of worship site safety, upholding protest rights. Short-term, the scandals erode credibility with Jewish voters, distracting from his agenda. Long-term risks include policy shifts like divestment from Israel bonds and heightened tensions in diverse NYC. Even allies like pollster Adam Carlson called the delay “bad politics.” As President Trump strengthens national security, blue-city mayors like Mamdani test conservative values on foreign policy and community protection.
Sources:
We support Hamas’ chants put Mamdani’s Israel stance at center stage
Mamdani’s antisemitism czar once slammed post condemning Hamas terror attacks
NYC Mayor Introduced By Muslim Activist Who Once Urged Hamas To Strike Tel Aviv
Inflammatory tweets by NYC political staffers point to growing normalization of anti-Zionism
