New York City council members have cautioned nonprofits to seek funding elsewhere if they align themselves with socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani or those perceived as “Hamas sympathizers.”
Inna Vernikov, a Republican council member from Brooklyn, made a statement on Tuesday regarding her distribution of $810,000 in discretionary funds for the current fiscal year. This followed a video on X showing Jewish activist Mark Meyer Appel shaking hands with Mamdani, a Palestinian.
“I know this may not seem like a significant amount, but here’s a little Public Service Announcement: Organizations wanting discretionary funds from me over the next four years should know that I won’t support any group that backs Hamas sympathizers or the apology from October 7,” Vernikov declared on X.
Vernikov added, “So if you want to be like @markmeyerappel and support @zohran mamdani during photo ops, don’t worry,” thereby dismissing Appel’s actions. She described them as “Commie/Jihadi A-Kiss.”
On Friday, she reiterated her statement, stating, “If anyone poses for photos with Mamdani, they either support him or condone him.”
“I’ll refund them regardless,” she maintained.
Vernikov’s comments resonated strongly, particularly within Democratic circles. One source remarked, “How can I issue a blanket statement when I’m not giving a group funds due to a photo shoot?”
Joanne Ariola, the council minority leader from Queens, didn’t specifically address Vernikov’s comments but emphasized that nonprofits ought to remain nonpartisan. “They should concentrate on their primary mission of supporting New York, rather than participating in politically charged activities,” she stated.
Mamdani recently visited the Flatbush Gardens Community Center to discuss plans for enhancing affordable housing if he becomes mayor. Meanwhile, Appel’s group, The Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project, received $60,000 from the council this fiscal year, although not from Vernikov.
No responses were received from Appel.
