NEW YORK (VINnews) — Israel’s Consul-General in New York, Ofir Akunis, sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday, calling him “an antisemite hiding behind a fake smile” over the mayor’s criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.

In an interview with CBS News, Akunis accused Mamdani of undermining his pledge to protect New York’s Jewish community by accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

Amb. @Ofir_Akunis joined @CBSNewYork’s The Point with @MarciaGKramer to discuss the dangerous rhetoric and incitement against the Jewish state spread by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

This kind of hate not only endangers the Jewish community. It threatens the safety and well-being of… pic.twitter.com/SvBXghIZca

— Israel in New York (@IsraelinNewYork) August 2, 2026

“He is saying, ‘I will ensure the security of the Jewish community in New York.’ How will you do it if you are saying that Israel is responsible for a genocide in Gaza?” Akunis said. “This is a disgusting lie, Mr. Mayor. You know that there is no genocide in the Gaza Strip.”

Akunis also criticized Mamdani for referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, as “monsters,” saying the term echoed language historically used to demonize Jews.

Concluding the interview, Akunis warned against the spread of Sharia law in the United States.

“I don’t want to see them force the Sharia laws on you,” he said. “You must stop them now before it will be too late for you.”

Mamdani has repeatedly rejected accusations of antisemitism, saying his criticism is directed at Israeli government policies rather than Jewish people.