Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of creating a climate of ‘hate and fear’ among Jewish communities in the city. This follows Mamdani’s remarks labeling Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ and suggesting his arrest.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Mamdani. This call comes after two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, now being examined as potential hate crimes. Novakhov represents District 45 in Brooklyn and voiced his concerns during an End Jew Hatred rally in New York City.
“If the DOJ intervened to protect Jewish students at Columbia, it must now act to safeguard Jewish New Yorkers,” Novakhov stated in an Instagram post, alluding to a federal inquiry into alleged antisemitism at the university.
The suspect in the stabbings, Raul Morales, aged 51, allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” while attacking two men. The victims, Chok Sung, 57, and Moshe Grunhaus, 50, are in stable condition according to New York Attorney General Letitia James. These incidents took place on Tisha B’Av, a significant Jewish day of mourning.
Pro-Israeli demonstrators have gathered to protest against Mayor Mamdani’s statements. Mamdani recently voiced support for holding Netanyahu accountable under the International Criminal Court, although the court lacks jurisdiction in the U.S.
Novakhov has requested a formal investigation from the DOJ into Mamdani’s alleged hostility towards the Jewish population in New York City and State. His call to action emphasizes the need for Jewish individuals to feel safe and not fear displaying their religious symbols.
Jewish leaders have expressed increasing concern over Mamdani’s remarks about Netanyahu and their potential impact on community safety.