New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticised for Israel remarks

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support Israel as a Jewish state, arguing that a state should not privilege any religion and should guarantee equal rights for all citizens. In an interview with ABC News, Mamdani reiterated his view and noted that he would oppose any state that privileges one religion over another. He also skipped the city’s Israel‑Day parade while attending Pakistan‑Day events, prompting accusations of double standards.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, responded sharply on social media, calling Mamdani’s comments antisemitic and asserting that questioning Israel’s right to exist reveals hostile intentions. Danon accused the mayor of using “antisemitic language” against AIPAC and defended Israel’s status as the nation‑state of the Jewish people, noting that Israel’s basic law guarantees religious freedom and equality for all inhabitants.