A distinguished pro-Israel activist is urging fellow Jewish leaders to boycott a Jewish heritage occasion Mayor Zohran Mamdani is internet hosting at Gracie Mansion subsequent Monday.
Individuals Towards Antisemitism founder Dov Hikind blasted Mamdani and his artist spouse, Rama Duwaji, saying the couple have been hostile to Jews via a collection of controversial statements and social media posts.
“Issues are uncontrolled on this metropolis. Assaults upon Jews. Worry within the Jewish neighborhood,” stated Hikind, who beforehand served within the state Meeting for 35 years representing closely orthodox Jewish communities in southern Brooklyn.
“I’m calling on Jewish leaders to not attend this occasion. I plead with you to take a stand. Present pleasure. Have self respect,” Hikind stated in a video supplied to The Submit that he plans to publish on-line.
Invites despatched out by the mayor’s workplace referred to as the Might 18 occasion a “Shavuot Celebration in Honor of Jewish Heritage Month” and famous {that a} “festive kosher dairy menu will likely be served.”
Mamdani’s relationship with segments of the Jewish neighborhood stays strained.
He helps the controversial boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) marketing campaign in opposition to Israel and accused the Jewish state of committing genocide within the conflict with Hamas in Gaza that was sparked after the terrorist group attacked the nation on Oct. 7, 2023. He has additionally related to folks accused of selling antisemitism.
First Woman Duwaji has additionally come below fireplace for social media posts praising Palestinian terrorists and bashing Israel.
“I perceive that for a lot of of you, having a Jewish police commissioner is deeply comforting,” Tisch stated.
Mamdani was notably absent from the Jewish Group Relations Council of New York’s annual gala at The Plaza Resort final night time, which Gov. Kathy Hochul attended together with State Legal professional Letitia James and state and metropolis comptrollers Tom DiNapoli and Mark Levine.
Mamdani’s police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who’s Jewish, additionally attended and was a featured speaker.
“The mayor and his spouse and household are radical Islamists endangering the welfare of America and the Jewish neighborhood,” Hikind claimed.
He stated Jewish leaders should take care of Mamdani as mayor, however don’t want to advertise him.
“You don’t must go to Gracie Mansion to hug and kiss and take photos whereas undermining your entire Jewish neighborhood. You may have a chance to be a frontrunner and make a robust assertion. You don’t must Gracie Mansin for cheese danishes,” Hikind stated.
Tisch, throughout her speech to the JCC, mentioned her household’s Jewish heritage and stated Jews are being focused throughout the globe. However she stated she and the NYPD have zero tolerance for antisemitism and all types of hate.
“Please know that I don’t take that duty evenly. I really feel it in my thoughts, in my bones and in my coronary heart, and it helps form the work that I do to maintain all communities secure,” she stated to applause.
Mamdani’s workplace had no speedy remark.
