Rabbis Demand Apology from Mayor Over Controversial Comments
Over 700 rabbis nationwide have united to call for an apology from Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who labeled the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a “monster” allegedly funded by “millions of dark money” to maintain its influence.
The letter, organized by the pro-Zionist group Jewish Majority, highlighted that referring to a political opponent as a “monster” dehumanizes them, which poses unique risks, particularly when associated with the Jewish community.
Notable signatories include Rabbi David Ingber from Congregation Romum, Rabbi Amiel Hirsch of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in Manhattan, Rabbi Neal Zuckerman from Park Avenue Synagogue, and Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Kehillas Jeshurun Congregation.
The rabbis expressed concern that Mamdani, in his role, also represents a broader political movement that is increasingly adopting aggressive rhetoric nationwide.
“Labeling ‘Zionists’ as inherently suspect equates to speaking about the majority of the Jewish community. For most Jews, demonizing Zionists is not just a critique of a foreign government; it feels like an attack on fundamental aspects of their identity,” the letter stated.
They cited a rise in anti-Semitic incidents, including the murders of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington and threats of violence directed at AIPAC and its supporters, as proof of the growing peril facing Jews in America.
“By condemning pro-Israel activism as monstrous and conspiratorial, Mr. Mamdani has endangered American Jews and their allies,” the letter urged, requesting the mayor to retract his statements. “We confirm that Jews and pro-Israel Americans fully participate in our democracy.”
The letter also articulated a crucial distinction: criticizing Israel’s policies is not anti-Semitism, but treating Zionist Jews as morally dubious is anti-Semitic.
Jonathan Schulman, the Executive Director of Jewish Majority, urged the mayor to temper his rhetoric during this sensitive time, emphasizing the risks involved in escalating tensions.
During a recent campaign rally, Mamdani passionately expressed his views, stating, “These are monster times, and the individuals financing these harmful attacks are overshadowing their political contributions.” He referred to AIPAC, framing it as an entity resisting significant change and equating it to current struggles for justice.
In his defense, Mamdani referenced the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci, claiming his description of “monsters” was aimed not solely at AIPAC but at all entities that he believes obstruct political transformation.
At just 34, Mayor Mamdani champions the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement regarding Israel and has criticized the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, even going so far as to assert he would pursue war crimes charges against Prime Minister Netanyahu if he entered certain regions.
