5 Towns CentralAssemblyman Novakhov Calls on DOJ to Investigate Mamdani Over Anti-Jewish Bias
New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a civil rights investigation into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, arguing that the federal government should apply the same level of scrutiny to City Hall that it has applied to Columbia University over allegations of antisemitism.
Speaking at an End Jew Hatred rally in Manhattan on Sunday, Novakhov announced that he is submitting a formal request to the DOJ seeking investigations into both New York State and New York City, with a particular focus on what he described as Mamdani’s “hatred against the Jewish population of New York City and New York State.”
In a post on Instagram, Novakhov said that if the DOJ intervened to protect Jewish students at Columbia University, it should also act to protect Jewish residents across New York.
“Jewish New Yorkers should not have to hide their Stars of David, tuck away their kippahs, or fear walking their own streets,” Novakhov wrote. “The Jewish community deserves answers. No one is above the law.”
His call comes as tensions continue to rise between Mamdani and many Jewish organizations following a series of controversial remarks and policy positions. Critics have pointed to the mayor’s refusal to explicitly condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” his repeated criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his past statements about seeking Netanyahu’s arrest should he visit New York. Supporters of Mamdani, meanwhile, have argued that his positions are political in nature and do not reflect hostility toward Jewish people.
Novakhov said he believes the DOJ should determine whether the city is meeting its obligations to protect the civil rights and safety of Jewish New Yorkers.
Today at the End Jew Hatred rally, I announced that I am formally calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Zohran Mamdani.
I will be sending a formal letter to the The United States Department of Justice requesting an investigation.
The Jewish community deserves… pic.twitter.com/YhJyfg6FYS
— Michael Novakhov (@MichaelforNY) July 27, 2026