Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of inciting hate and fear among Jewish Americans in New York City. This follows Mamdani’s remarks labeling Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ and suggesting his arrest.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov has taken significant steps in response. He urged the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate a civil rights investigation against Mamdani. This call to action comes after two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, potentially classified as hate crimes.
Novakhov, representing District 45 in Brooklyn, called for this at the End Jew Hatred rally in New York City. “If the DOJ stepped in to protect Jewish students at Columbia, it must now step in to protect Jewish New Yorkers,” Novakhov stated in an Instagram post.
The attacked individuals, identified as Chok Sung, 57, and Moshe Grunhaus, 50, are recovering in stable condition. The alleged assailant, Raul Morales, 51, reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack, which occurred on Tisha B’Av, a significant Jewish day of mourning.
Mamdani’s comments have sparked unease among Jewish leaders. He referred to Netanyahu as “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.” Despite City Hall lacking authority to arrest Netanyahu, Mamdani suggested he be held accountable under the International Criminal Court’s warrant. However, the ICC lacks jurisdiction in the U.S., as the country is not an ICC member.
Pro-Israeli activists recently rallied against Mamdani’s stance. Many emphasized that Jewish New Yorkers should openly express their identities without fear. Novakhov reinforced this by stating, “Jewish New Yorkers should not hide their Stars of David or kippahs.” He concluded with a demand for accountability, “The Jewish community deserves answers. No one is above the law.”
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