Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner for New York City’s mayoral race, has chosen not to explicitly denounce Hamas when questioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s commitment to dismantle the group and secure the freedom of all hostages still held captive.
This stance came shortly after Netanyahu’s resolute speech at the United Nations General Assembly last Friday, where he emphasized Israel’s determination to “complete the mission” against Hamas.
When pressed on whether he supports Netanyahu’s labeling of Hamas as a terrorist organization that must be destroyed, Mamdani responded, “I will not simply echo Benjamin Netanyahu’s rhetoric.”
Instead, Mamdani articulated a perspective grounded in inclusivity and shared humanity. “My political approach is founded on universal principles-everyone for everyone,” he explained, referencing sentiments expressed by families of hostages.
He further condemned Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing conflict, stating, “What deeply frustrates me and many New Yorkers is Netanyahu’s exploitation of the hostage situation to justify a war that only escalates the danger to those hostages and countless Palestinians.”
This dialogue unfolded amid Netanyahu’s warning that Hamas would “repeat the horrors” of October 7, 2023, if not completely eradicated, alongside his refusal to acknowledge a Palestinian state.
Mamdani also openly criticized current Mayor Eric Adams for attending Netanyahu’s UN speech, especially as numerous delegates chose to walk out in protest.
“Having a mayor who personally attended Netanyahu’s address and then publicly thanked him for defending Western values and our way of life is deeply offensive to New Yorkers across all five boroughs,” Mamdani remarked.
He added, “How can the systematic killing of a child every hour for nearly two years be framed as protecting our way of life? That is not a reality any of us in this city accept.”
Known for his outspoken opposition to Israel and Netanyahu, Mamdani has previously described Israel as an apartheid regime and endorsed the contentious Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign.
Moreover, Mamdani has pledged that, if elected, he would instruct the NYPD to detain Netanyahu should the Israeli leader visit New York City.
In addition, the socialist candidate recently indicated plans to discontinue the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, arguing that it conflates legitimate criticism of Israel and Zionism with antisemitism. The IHRA defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.”
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