NEW YORK (VINnews) – Orthodox Union Executive Vice President and COO Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph appeared on Fox News to caution that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have heightened alarm within the Jewish community and risk fueling further unrest.

Joseph joined Fox News Digital reporter Rachel Wolf to discuss the mayor’s statements, in which Mamdani described Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.” While acknowledging that New York City lacks the legal authority to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the Israeli leader, Mamdani said Netanyahu is “not welcome in New York City” and encouraged protests during the prime minister’s expected visit for the United Nations General Assembly in September.

“We know that the protests in the last few years have gotten violent at times,” Joseph told Fox News Digital. “So, he’s willing to risk inciting further violence based on misinformation.”

Joseph stressed that as mayor, Mamdani’s primary duty is the safety and protection of all New Yorkers, including the city’s substantial Jewish population. He warned that when elected officials amplify rhetoric and misinformation that contributes to antisemitism, the results can prove dangerous.

The OU leader urged Mamdani to “remember that his words matter” as the city’s top official. Despite the concerns, Joseph expressed confidence in the resilience of New York’s Jewish community.