NEW YORK CITY (VINnews) – Former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his family Wednesday, labeling them “real radical Islamists” and warning they pose a serious threat to the United States and the Jewish community.

“[Mamdani and family] are incredibly dangerous to the well-being of America and the Jewish community,” Hikind said.

“[Mamdani and family] are incredibly dangerous to the well-being of America and the Jewish community.”

— Dov Hikind called NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his family ‘real radical Islamists’@HikindDov @ymenken @BiancaDLGarza pic.twitter.com/CZSYooxAfW

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) May 6, 2026

Hikind, a longtime Brooklyn Democrat and founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, has repeatedly voiced concerns about Mamdani’s background, policies and associations since the Democratic socialist took office as the city’s 112th mayor on Jan. 1, 2026. Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York, previously represented the 36th Assembly District in Queens.

The former assemblyman made the remarks during a radio appearance amid ongoing debates over antisemitism in the city, Mamdani’s stance on Israel and his administration’s early decisions, including nullifying an executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.

Hikind has warned that a Mamdani administration could embolden extremists and has urged voters and Jewish leaders to oppose what he calls the mayor’s radical agenda. He previously broke with Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to endorse Andrew Cuomo in an effort to block Mamdani’s election and has continued his criticism in the months since.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hikind’s strong language reflects deepening divisions in New York City’s Jewish community over the mayor’s leadership and responses to rising hate crimes. VINnews has previously reported on Hikind’s clashes with Jewish leaders who have engaged with Mamdani.

The mayor has faced scrutiny for refusing to strongly condemn certain radical Islamist actions and for positions critics describe as anti-Israel.