Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is urging those attending this year’s 25th anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to peacefully turn their backs on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he appears at the event, arguing that the mayor should not take part because of his position on anti-Israel rhetoric.

Speaking at a news conference in Albany on Wednesday, the Republican candidate for governor compared the solemn memorial to a funeral service.

“I would equate this to a wake. You don’t go to a wake if you’re not welcome,” Blakeman told reporters.

“I think it’s completely appropriate if family members ask him not to come, but if he does come I think there’s a respectful and peaceful way to protest that and I would suggest that people turn their back on the mayor,” he said.

Blakeman, whose nephew was killed in the South Tower during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, said he intends to participate in a peaceful protest if Mamdani attends the annual remembrance ceremony.

Last week, Mamdani announced that he plans to be present at this year’s observance despite an expanding petition from some relatives of 9/11 victims calling for him to stay away.

“I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year’s 9/11 commemoration,” Mamdani said.

Blakeman argued that Mamdani’s refusal to denounce slogans such as “globalize the intifada” disqualifies him from participating in the memorial.

“He’s not welcome there because he has yet to say anything in opposition to the global intifada. As a matter of fact, it seems like he supports that phrase, which is part of the reason why we had the tragedy we had on 9/11,” Blakeman said.

Also appearing in Albany on Wednesday was former New York Gov. George Pataki, who was serving as governor during the Sept. 11 attacks, for the opening of the George E. Pataki Center for Leadership and Conversation.

When asked whether Mamdani should attend the memorial, Pataki acknowledged he had concerns about the mayor’s previous remarks but stopped short of saying he should be excluded.

“It’s my nature to be inclusive, and that is my instinct, but Sept. 11 is different. So, I may have comments on that,” Pataki said after saying he had “grave concerns” about Mamdani’s past comments.

{Matzav.com}