JERUSALEM (AP) — Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and a former New York state assemblyman, warned that growing antisemitism in the United States poses a serious threat to Jewish communities and said many Jews are failing to recognize the dangers they face.

Speaking in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, Hikind said he was troubled by what he views as increasing hostility toward Israel and Jews, particularly in New York City.

Hikind singled out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying that while he strongly disagrees with the mayor’s views on Israel, he respects what he described as Mamdani’s honesty.

Referring to Mamdani’s decision not to attend New York’s annual Israel Day Parade, Hikind said he was perplexed that some Jewish leaders criticized the mayor for staying away.

“At least he’s honest,” Hikind said, arguing that Mamdani has consistently expressed opposition to Israel and should not be expected to attend an event celebrating the Jewish state. Hikind said Mamdani “means it” when he criticizes Israel and does not attempt to hide those views for political gain.

Hikind contrasted Mamdani with what he described as some Jewish leaders and public officials who publicly present themselves as supporters of Israel while taking positions that, in his view, undermine the Jewish state.

The longtime activist also argued that Mamdani plays a significant role in fostering a climate in which hostility toward Israel and Jews has become increasingly accepted. Hikind said anti-Israel activism frequently serves as a vehicle for antisemitism and warned that Jewish communities should not dismiss the trend.

Drawing a historical comparison, Hikind said some American Jews today remind him of German Jews in the years before the rise of Nazi Germany. According to Hikind, many Jews at that time felt fully integrated into society, considered themselves loyal patriots and believed that antisemitism could never seriously threaten them.

“We’re fooling ourselves,” Hikind said, warning that history shows how quickly conditions can change when hatred is ignored or minimized. He said many Jews today assume that America will always remain safe for Jewish life, despite growing signs of hostility.

Hikind stressed that most Americans are decent people, but argued that it does not take a majority to create a dangerous environment for Jews. He said the level of antisemitism seen since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel has raised concerns among many American Jews about their future in the United States.

He noted that while aliyah numbers have not dramatically increased, many American Jews are purchasing homes in Israel as a safeguard against an uncertain future.

The former lawmaker also addressed Israel’s internal debate over military service for members of the haredi community. While emphasizing the central importance of Torah study, Hikind called for greater national unity and said more sectors of Israeli society should share responsibility for defending the country during wartime.

Despite his concerns, Hikind expressed confidence in Israel’s future, calling the Jewish state’s survival and success a modern-day miracle. He urged Jews around the world to strengthen their connection to Israel and Jewish identity and to remain vigilant against antisemitism.