New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces criticism for his comments on the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Two prominent New York political figures have yet to respond. Mamdani acknowledged that Hamas’ assault led to more than 1,100 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages but shifted focus to Israeli actions in Gaza.
According to Mamdani, the Israeli government has killed over 74,000 Palestinians, including 21,000 children, since the events described. He also noted that more than 1,400 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire was declared. Mamdani’s remarks highlight increased suffering from bombings, drone strikes, and blocked aid shipments.
Mamdani stated, “Many New Yorkers are reckoning with this unbearable grief, and we mourn alongside them — all while knowing that our tax dollars fund these war crimes.”
Mamdani did not address New York City’s large Jewish community, home to nearly 1 million Jews. Among New York Democrats, Rep. Dan Goldman criticized Mamdani’s comments, calling them “reprehensible” on the anniversary of a brutal attack on Israelis by a terrorist group.
Despite requests for comments on Mamdani’s statements, neither Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has responded. Schumer, who is Jewish, described the attack as the “single deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust.” Schumer emphasized support for Israel, a contentious topic among Senate Democrats.
Schumer stated, “We reaffirm our commitment to the security of the Israeli people, to the aid and wellbeing of the Palestinian people, and to efforts for lasting peace resulting in two states where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side.”
Jeffries also supported the need for peace, mentioning the ongoing Palestinian and Israeli struggles. He called for a policy shift to create an independent Palestinian state, aiming to achieve dignity and self-determination.
Jeffries remarked, “We must commit to the creation of an independent Palestinian state to provide dignity, respect, and self-determination for the Palestinian people.”
Writer Alex Miller covers the U.S. Senate for Fox News Digital.