(VINnews) – A prominent pro-Israel activist is urging Jewish leaders to boycott a Jewish heritage event hosted by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion next week, citing what he described as hostility toward the Jewish community by the mayor and his wife.

According to a report by the New York Post
, Americans Against Antisemitism founder Dov Hikind called on Jewish leaders to avoid attending the May 18 event, which was described in invitations from the mayor’s office as a “Shavuot Celebration in Honor of Jewish Heritage Month.”

Hikind criticized Mamdani and his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, over past statements and social media posts related to Israel and the war in Gaza.

Mamdani has previously supported the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel and accused Israel of committing genocide during the war against Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack.

The report said Mamdani was absent from the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York’s annual gala, which was attended by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

During the gala, Tisch spoke about rising antisemitism and said the NYPD maintains zero tolerance for hate crimes targeting Jews or any other group.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately comment, according to the report.