
Mamdani to Meet Select Charedi Jewish Leaders; Critics Call It ‘Photo Op’
NEW YORK (VINnews) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to meet Monday with a select group of Charedi Jewish leaders who previously endorsed him, in a session critics say is largely a “photo op.” Mainstream Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Community Relations Council, said they were not invited and expressed frustration over the brief, 15- to 20-minute sit-down, citing concerns about Mamdani and his wife’s handling of anti-Israel rhetoric.
Rabbi Moshe Indig, a leader of a Satmar sect in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, told the New York Post on Sunday that he will attend the meeting. Rabbi David Niederman, president of the United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg, is also expected. Both represent the Orthodox community, while broader advocacy groups have declined participation.
The meeting comes after widespread criticism of Mamdani hosting anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil at Gracie Mansion last week and scrutiny of posts liked by his wife, Rama Duwaji, on social media celebrating the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel.