Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis issued a direct challenge to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, inviting him to watch the IDF’s 47-minute film documenting the October 7 massacre and “see what the people he supports actually did.”

Akunis made the remarks at an official October 7 memorial ceremony hosted by the Israeli Consulate in New York and attended by approximately 1,000 people.

“Three years after the massacre, this is an opportunity to ask the leaders of the world — presidents, prime ministers, elected officials and mayors who continue to criticize us: What would you have done if those savages had invaded your country or your city and brutally murdered innocent civilians?” Akunis said.

“What would you have done if a member of your family — your son, your daughter — had been burned before your eyes?”

Akunis then turned directly to Israel’s critics.

“We are finished listening to your empty criticism,” he said. “We are not impressed by your cowardly actions, your hypocrisy and your weakness. We are not impressed by your approach aimed at appeasing your new political base.”

He then publicly invited Mamdani to attend a screening of the IDF footage in New York.

“In less than 48 hours, on October 7, we will screen in New York City the 47-minute atrocity film produced by the IDF,” Akunis said. “I invite Mr. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor, to come and watch the film.”

“For the first time, he will be able to see what the people he supports actually did, and perhaps he will stop his relentless incitement, hatred, and blood libels against the State of Israel.”

Akunis concluded: “Anyone who watches the film and has a human heart will understand who the real enemy is.”

In an open letter to Mamdani, Akunis wrote: “With your rhetoric against the State of Israel being the fundamental reason for the rise of antisemitism in New York City, it is even more crucial now for the safety and continued existence of the Jewish homeland.”

“Perhaps after watching this film, you will truly understand why the Jewish State is so important and why we will continue to defend ourselves.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)