Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “hijacking” the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, comparing the mayor’s decision to use the day to attack Israel to transforming the anniversary of 9/11 into “a day of mourning for al-Qaeda terrorists.”

Mamdani’s statement Wednesday acknowledged the Hamas-led massacre that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages abducted to Gaza, but devoted most of its message to accusations against Israel, including charges of “genocide,” “apartheid” and “war crimes.”

Danon said Mamdani had taken a day that should have centered on the victims and survivors of Hamas’s atrocities and instead turned it into an opportunity to condemn the Jewish state.

“‘Mamdani-ism’ — an attempt to hijack the anniversary of October 7 and turn it into yet another propaganda attack against Israel,” Danon wrote on X. “We will remember those who were murdered, and we will never forget who was behind this massacre.”

Speaking separately about the mayor’s statement, Danon said the timing was particularly offensive because October 7 is the one day specifically set aside to remember those slaughtered and abducted in the attack.

“What he is trying to do is hijack the only day we have for the victims and survivors,” Danon said. “He’s trying to hijack the day to talk about attacking Israel.”

Danon compared the approach to commemorating the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by shifting the focus from those murdered by al-Qaeda to criticism of America’s subsequent response.

Mamdani began his official statement by describing the Hamas attack as “horrific war crimes” and acknowledging the Israelis murdered and taken hostage on October 7, 2023.

He said Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 people, adding that New Yorkers continue to grieve alongside friends and neighbors carrying the pain of the massacre.

But the mayor then shifted to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of an “ongoing genocide” and invoking accusations of “occupation,” “apartheid,” and “war crimes.”

Mamdani further charged that the United States was complicit in Israel’s conduct by continuing to provide the Jewish state with weapons.

Israel has categorically rejected accusations that it is committing genocide in Gaza, maintaining that its war is directed against Hamas and other terrorist organizations and that the IDF takes extensive measures intended to minimize civilian casualties.

Mamdani’s statement triggered criticism from a range of Israeli officials and Jewish organizations Wednesday. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the mayor’s remarks an “outrageous & disgusting rant,” while Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis accused Mamdani of displaying “a complete lack of human sensitivity.”

The controversy erupted against the backdrop of continuing concern over antisemitism in New York City. New NYPD figures released this week show that Jewish New Yorkers were the victims in 245 of the city’s 463 confirmed hate crimes during the first nine months of 2026 — approximately 53% — despite Jews accounting for roughly 10% of the city’s population.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch highlighted the disparity Tuesday while discussing the city’s latest crime statistics and the heightened security being provided to Jewish institutions around the October 7 anniversary.

“The most striking trend continues to be antisemitic hate crimes,” Tisch said.

“So far this year, 53% of all confirmed hate crimes have targeted Jewish New Yorkers, despite Jews making up only roughly 10% of the city’s population,” she said. “Those numbers are deeply concerning.”

The NYPD has deployed additional resources around Jewish institutions and communities, with Tisch pledging continued police protection as the city confronts both antisemitic incidents and demonstrations surrounding the anniversary.

“On the eve of the third anniversary of Oct. 7, we renew our pledge to Jewish institutions that they will not be left to protect themselves without a strong partner in the NYPD,” Tisch said.

Mamdani’s handling of antisemitism has also drawn skepticism among Jewish New Yorkers. A poll of 503 Jewish voters across the five boroughs conducted from October 2 through October 6 found that 65% disapproved of the mayor’s handling of antisemitism, including 47% who strongly disapproved, while 34% approved.

The dispute comes just days after Mamdani unveiled a citywide strategy to combat antisemitism. Several major Jewish organizations welcomed portions of the initiative while arguing that the administration had failed to address anti-Israel rhetoric that they believe can contribute to hostility toward Jewish New Yorkers.

UJA-Federation of New York, JCRC-NY, AJC New York and the New York Board of Rabbis praised elements of the plan but warned that rhetoric that “demonizes and delegitimizes Israel” can have consequences for Jews in the city.

Mamdani has consistently rejected the argument that his attacks on Israel amount to hostility toward Jews. He has maintained that his criticism is rooted in opposition to harm against civilians regardless of who commits it and has repeatedly pledged that Jewish New Yorkers will be protected and valued by his administration.

Danon, however, said October 7 was not the day for the mayor to wage that political battle, insisting that the anniversary must remain focused on those murdered and abducted by Hamas.

{Matzav.com}