Rabbi Educates Incoming Mayor on Gaza Peace After Synagogue Protests
A prominent rabbi from New York recently shared insights with incoming mayor Zoran Mamdani about the situation in Gaza, following a troubling episode where his father’s synagogue was targeted by anti-Israel protesters.
Rabbi Mark Schneier, who leads the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and serves as the founding rabbi of Hamptons Synagogue, confronted Mamdani, asserting that he was “out of touch with the larger Islamic world,” especially given the sentiments among religious leaders advocating for a two-state solution.
During a Sunday interview on 77WABC’s “The Cats Roundtable,” Schneier expressed concern that Mamdani was losing his connection not just with the Jewish community but also with broader Islamic communities. He emphasized, “I told him, ‘Not only are you losing your connection to the Jewish community, you’re also losing your connection to the greater Islamic world.'” He pointed out that Mamdani, who is Muslim, had not acknowledged Israel’s existence as a Jewish state.
Schneier, noting his frequent discussions with Islamic leaders from various regions, including Saudi Arabia and parts of Asia, criticized Mamdani’s alignment with the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel and his support for the proposed arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The rabbi contended that anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are inherently linked, stating, “Demonizing Israel, especially with terms like genocide and apartheid, only results in attacks against Jews, similar to what we saw last week.”
In addressing Mamdani, he remarked, “He is out of step with today’s larger Islamic world, which acknowledges Israel as a Jewish state. He really needs to join the peace train before it runs out of time.” He described Mamdani as influenced by his father, Mahmoud Mamdani, a Columbia University academic known for his critical views on Israel.
Schneier did, however, express gratitude towards Mamdani for initiating contact after a recent protest at Manhattan’s Park East synagogue. This demonstration involved a hostile crowd chanting against Jews attending a pro-Zionist event. Despite criticisms of police response to the protest, Schneier appreciated Mamdani’s endorsement of a proposed bill aimed at prohibiting protests outside places of worship.
Mamdani, who is now a state lawmaker, faced questions regarding this legislation. Schneier challenged him, asking why he wouldn’t back a measure to ban demonstrations at any religious site in New York City, whether it be a synagogue, church, or mosque. Mamdani reportedly expressed interest in the idea and agreed to further discussions.
Since their initial conversation, Mamdani has reached out several times, indicating potential for ongoing dialogue aimed at reconciling their differing views.
Transition team representatives from Mamdani reiterated that the mayor-elect is open to discussing Schneier’s concerns regarding restrictions on protests near houses of worship.
