Colbert Presses Mamdani on Israel During “Late Show” Appearance

“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert recently questioned New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani about his views on Israel and how he plans to address anti-Semitism in the city. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has gained traction in the polls ahead of the city’s upcoming Rank Selection Primary, appeared alongside his Democratic opponent, Brad Lander.

Colbert addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, asking both candidates if Israel has the “right to exist” as a state. Lander, identifying as a Jewish supporter of Israel, affirmed this right. Colbert then turned to Mamdani, prompting him to clarify his stance. Mamdani responded affirmatively, asserting that while he supports Israel’s existence, he believes that every country must uphold the rights of its citizens and adhere to international law.

Colbert, making it clear that he wasn’t endorsing any candidate, noted the sensitivity of Mamdani’s past statements on Israel, which have worried some voters. He explicitly addressed the fears among New Yorkers about Mamdani potentially increasing anti-Semitism if elected. Mamdani acknowledged these concerns, attributing them to very real fears stemming from attacks like those in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. He shared a personal anecdote about a friend who felt unease during a synagogue visit, illustrating the heightened anxiety in the community.

Mamdani proposed a significant increase—”800%”—in funding for hate crime prevention as part of his plan, emphasizing the need to confront anti-Semitism directly. He expressed that violence has no place in society, reiterating that the city needs to be a space for peaceful coexistence.

Reflecting on his experiences, Mamdani, who moved to New York City from Uganda and South Africa at a young age, shared an encounter with an elderly Jewish woman during a Democratic club forum. She voiced her fears about divisions in the city, and Mamdani acknowledged that disagreements on Israeli policies exist, which he attributes to a deep-seated conflict that must be addressed thoughtfully.

Later, Colbert questioned how Mamdani would foster unity between Jewish and Muslim communities as mayor. Mamdani highlighted the importance of shared humanity and celebrating differences, recalling a story of a past campaign where a Jewish candidate connected warmly with a Palestinian attendee at a mosque. He emphasized that these connections are essential for creating a shared life in New York City and beyond.