Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of helping create the atmosphere that led to today’s stabbing attack on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, arguing that the mayor’s repeated anti-Israel rhetoric has endangered the city’s Jewish community.

Danon issued the sharp rebuke after two men—one Jewish and one Asian—were stabbed in broad daylight in what authorities are investigating as a possible bias-motivated attack. Witnesses told investigators the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assaults.

“Zohran Mamdani, your incitement is putting Jewish lives in danger in New York, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel. You have spent months fueling hatred, demonizing Israel and legitimizing hostility toward Jews. Now take responsibility for the consequences,” wrote Danon.

He continued, “Every time you pour more fuel on this fire, you make violence more likely. Stop the incitement. Before more people get hurt.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed Danon’s criticism, saying the violence was the predictable result of months of inflammatory rhetoric directed at the Jewish state.

“I am appalled by the horrific antisemitic stabbing attack in New York. Appalled but sadly not surprised.”

“This violence did not happen in a vacuum. Months of incitement against the Jewish state from Mamdani have helped create a climate in which Jews are targeted,” said Sa’ar.

“Words have consequences. Mamdani must end the incitement, confront antisemitism with resolve, and act now to protect the city’s Jewish community. Enough is enough,” he added.

Mamdani later addressed the attack in a statement posted on social media, saying he had been briefed on the incident and condemning the violence.

“I have been briefed on today’s horrifying stabbings on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to witness and victim statements, the perpetrator yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks. I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition.”

He thanked the NYPD for quickly arresting a suspect before adding, “The NYPD’s initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor. They are also evaluating these stabbings as potential hate crimes. These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also denounced the attack, describing it as another apparent act of antisemitic violence.

“Disgusted by what appears to be another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish. The strength of New York has always been our ability to live together across every faith and background.”

She added, “Anyone who tries to tear that apart will be met with the full force of the law. New York will stand with our Jewish community today, tomorrow, and always.”

Hochul also expressed concern for the second victim, saying, “Our hearts are also with the second victim. Asian New Yorkers, like Jewish New Yorkers, have endured waves of hate-fueled violence in recent years. Hate rarely stops with one group. New York will continue confronting it wherever it appears.”

Police said the attacks unfolded shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Officers first responded to West 84th Street and Central Park West, where they found a 57-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to the torso. Minutes later, they discovered a second victim, a 50-year-old man, with a similar injury near West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, witnesses reported hearing the suspected attacker shout “Allahu Akbar” during the assaults. Authorities said one victim is Jewish and the other is Asian.

Both men were transported to a nearby hospital, where officials said they are expected to recover.

After the attacks, the suspect allegedly fled into an apartment building on Amsterdam Avenue between West 88th and West 89th Streets. Members of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit and hostage negotiators responded, eventually taking the man into custody at approximately 2:45 p.m. He was transported to a local precinct for questioning.

Investigators also recovered a weapon near the second crime scene at West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Police said the victims do not appear to have known one another, and detectives have not determined whether either had any previous connection to the suspect.

While investigators are examining whether the attack qualifies as a hate crime, officials stressed that no formal determination has yet been made regarding motive.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin nevertheless said the attack appeared to have targeted Jews and called for a forceful response.

“I am absolutely sickened and furious by what appears to be an antisemitic stabbing on the Upper West Side. While we await additional details to be confirmed, we know that what is happening in our city is abhorrent. The fear in the Jewish community is real. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity,” she wrote in a post on social media.

“We must remain united in condemning antisemitism and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable. I thank the NYPD for its swift response in apprehending the assailant. My prayers are with the victims and their loved ones,” added Menin.

{Matzav.com}