Mamdani First Uses Terrorist Label for Hamas After Late Condemnation
The Queens Synagogue Protest Triggers Controversy
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, a synagogue in Queens, shouting support for Hamas during a community event. The demonstration and the city’s response raised questions about how Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a critic of Israeli policy, would balance his pro-Palestinian positions with responsibility to protect Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani’s initial response was characterized as insufficient by critics within his own coalition, marking a significant early test of his mayoralty. The incident revealed tensions within Mamdani’s political base and exposed difficulties in managing constituencies with fundamentally opposed views on Middle Eastern politics. Mamdani’s positions on Israeli policy and Palestinian rights had been a campaign issue, with some Jewish leaders expressing concern about his record on condemning antisemitism.
Initial Response Draws Fire
Mamdani’s first statement called the protesters’ rhetoric “wrong” but did not explicitly condemn the demonstration as antisemitic. He stressed that New York will ensure public safety at houses of worship and protect the constitutional right to protest. This measured language disappointed critics who wanted stronger denunciation of the specific demonstration and the Hamas chants. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that Mamdani’s delay in responding, compared to other elected officials, drew criticism. Governor Kathy Hochul and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had issued stronger statements more quickly. Ocasio-Cortez, another progressive ally of Mamdani’s, called the demonstration “disgusting and antisemitic” on social media.
Activist Response and Internal Debate
Adam Carlson, founder of polling firm Zenith Research and stated Mamdani supporter, publicly expressed disappointment on social media. Carlson noted that he had waited all day for Mamdani to forcefully condemn Hamas and was disturbed by the mayor’s delay compared to dozens of other elected officials. This public criticism from supporters suggested potential political vulnerability for Mamdani. The delay and measured response also drew criticism from Jewish community members who felt the mayor should have acted faster and spoken more strongly. Other critics, particularly those with pro-Palestinian views, felt that any strong condemnation of Hamas or the protesters was inappropriate and deflected from the core issue of Palestinian land sales.
The Second Statement
In a follow-up statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani stated that chants in support of a terrorist organization have no place in New York City. This was the first time Mamdani publicly used the term “terrorist organization” to refer to Hamas, though he did not explicitly name the group. The second statement appeared to address concerns from critics about his failure to condemn Hamas explicitly. Some Jewish leaders, including those from the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, responded positively to this clarification. Yaacov Behrman from the movement praised Mamdani for calling Hamas a terrorist organization and making clear that the rhetoric was unacceptable.
Criticism from Progressive Activists
Meanwhile, Mamdani’s left-wing supporters expressed displeasure with his response, particularly his focus on the protesters rather than the synagogue’s Israeli real estate event. Hasan Piker, a progressive streamer and Mamdani supporter, argued on social media that elected officials should prioritize addressing the illegal land sales in the West Bank rather than criticizing protesters. This criticism illustrates the deep divisions within Mamdani’s coalition. His supporters span from strong pro-Palestinian activists to traditional Democratic constituencies, including significant Jewish populations. Satisfying all constituencies simultaneously appears increasingly difficult.
The Broader Context of Mamdani’s Jewish Relations
The protest response was partly significant because of Mamdani’s previous record on antisemitism and his positions on Israeli policy. His response to an earlier November event had raised concerns among some Jewish leaders. When pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside a Manhattan synagogue hosting an event about relocating to Israel, Mamdani’s initial response focused on the principle of free protest while noting that sacred spaces should not promote activities he characterized as violating international law. That statement was seen by some Jewish leaders as failing to adequately protect synagogue access and safety.
Recent Antisemitic Incidents
The mayor’s response to the queens synagogue protest must be understood within the context of recent antisemitic violence. A fire at a synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, was reported as a potential hate crime, with a suspect arrested. Mamdani responded to that incident by calling it a “violent act of antisemitism” and expressing horror at the attack. He stated that New Yorkers must “reject it with the unity it fears” and stand with Jewish community members. This response to the Mississippi incident was viewed as more forceful than his initial response to the Queens synagogue protest.
The Land Sale Question
Mamdani was asked on Saturday why his statement did not address the Israeli real estate transaction that the protesters were opposing. He responded that he is in opposition to the sale of land in the occupied West Bank. However, his statement separating his criticism of the protesters from his position on Palestinian rights issues suggested an attempt to compartmentalize the different issues. Critics felt this separated reaction undermined his credibility with both Jewish and pro-Palestinian constituencies.
Political Complexities Going Forward
The incident represents an early test of how Mamdani will manage the profound disagreements within his city regarding Israeli-Palestinian issues. Progressive mayors have increasingly faced pressure from both pro-Palestinian activists demanding stronger action against Israeli policies and from Jewish communities seeking assurance of their safety and religious freedom. Information about antisemitism and community protection resources shows that many cities struggle with similar tensions. The mayor’s ability to communicate clearly across these constituencies while maintaining his policy positions will likely shape his political future in a diverse city. Anti-Defamation League resources provide context for understanding the broader debate about antisemitism and criticism of Israeli policy. Mamdani’s challenge is demonstrating that he can be firm against antisemitism while maintaining his stated positions on Palestinian rights, a balance that previous mayors have found difficult to achieve. Jewish Voice for Peace represents organizations that attempt to navigate these issues from within the Jewish community. How Mamdani manages these relationships in his first months will set the tone for his entire administration’s approach to one of the city’s most sensitive issues.
