Israel’s consul general in New York, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, has invited Mayor Zohran Mamdani to attend a New York screening of a 47-minute IDF-produced film documenting the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

The invitation comes as the third anniversary of the attack approaches. The film includes footage recorded by Hamas terrorists themselves during the assault, offering graphic documentation of the events.

Akunis extended the invitation during an October 7 memorial event hosted by the Israeli Consulate and also sent Mamdani a formal letter. In the letter, Akunis sharply criticized the mayor’s public positions on Israel and argued that his rhetoric has contributed to an increase in antisemitism in New York.

“Your words against the State of Israel are a significant factor in the rise of antisemitism in New York,” Akunis wrote.

He urged Mamdani to view the footage firsthand, saying he hopes it will provide a clearer understanding of the October 7 attack and Israel’s stated rationale for defending itself.

“Perhaps after watching this film, you will understand why the existence of the State of Israel as the state of the Jewish people is so important and why we will continue to defend ourselves at any cost.”

Akunis also publicly challenged Mamdani to attend the screening, saying it could allow the mayor to see the events of October 7 through footage captured during the attack itself.

The invitation comes amid an increasingly public disagreement between Akunis and Mamdani over Israel, antisemitism and the mayor’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mamdani recently unveiled a citywide strategy aimed at combating antisemitism, while Israeli officials and some Jewish organizations have criticized his approach to Israel-related antisemitism.

Will Mamdani come?!

— Ofir Akunis (@Ofir_Akunis) October 6, 2026