Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declined to denounce Hamas when asked to support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement regarding the eradication of the group and the call for the release of all remaining hostages.
Mamdani refrained from condemning the militant organization after Netanyahu delivered a resolute address at the United Nations General Assembly, asserting that Israel must “complete the mission” in its conflict with Hamas.
“I am not going to repeat the words of Benjamin Netanyahu,” the mayoral candidate responded to reporters when directly asked if he concurred with the Israeli Prime Minister’s assertion that Hamas is a terrorist organization needing destruction.
“However, I can express my own beliefs right here: my political stance is based on universal principles. The words of the families of the hostages encapsulate this beautifully: Everyone for everyone,” he continued.
Mamdani expressed his frustration, stating, “What has infuriated me and many New Yorkers is Netanyahu’s use of the hostage situation as a pretext to pursue a war that further threatens these hostages and countless Palestinians.”
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This came after Netanyahu earlier cautioned that Hamas would simply “recommit the atrocities” of October 7, 2023, if not decisively dealt with, and he dismissed the notion of a Palestinian state, a stance not supported by several US allies prior to the General Assembly.
Mamdani criticized Mayor Eric Adams for attending Netanyahu’s speech in person, even as numerous delegates walked out in protest moments before the Israeli Prime Minister spoke.
“To have a mayor who attended the United Nations to witness his address and later praised Netanyahu for upholding Western values and lifestyle is deeply offensive to many New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs,” he articulated.
“How can we justify the constant killing of children, once an hour, for nearly two years, as a defense of our way of life? This is not the standard of living we advocate for in our city. We seek dignity for all, and the families of hostages have illuminated this truth for us.”
The leading candidate has previously denounced Israel as an apartheid state and has publicly supported the controversial BDS movement, which calls for boycotting, divesting from, and sanctioning Israel.
He has openly criticized Netanyahu and promised that, if elected, he would order the NYPD to arrest him should he visit New York City.
The socialist candidate also recently indicated his plan to cease using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism if elected, arguing that it conflates legitimate criticism of Israel and Zionism with antisemitism.
According to the IHRA definition, antisemitism is described as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be displayed as hatred toward Jews.”
The Post attempted to contact Mamdani’s campaign, but no immediate response was received.
