Criticism of Mayor Mamdani’s 9/11 Commemorations

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced scrutiny online regarding his annual statements about the 9/11 terror attacks. Critics have pointed out that his messages have remained largely unchanged since he entered public office.

In his 2024 commemoration post, Mamdani expressed, “We mourn our neighbors who died that day. The countless first responders and families whose lives were forever changed. The millions who suffered in the wars that followed.” He added, “In their memory, we work toward a better world.”

However, observers have noted that these remarks are strikingly similar to what he has said in previous years, going back to 2019. This consistency has led some people to question the sincerity of his expressions. Others argue that Mamdani deliberately avoids focusing on the tragic loss of American lives each year.

Families of 9/11 Victims Call for Action

Adam Fisher, a venture capitalist from Israel, voiced strong disapproval of Mamdani’s messages. He stated that Mamdani has consistently sent a “repulsive” message that equates American victims of 9/11 with those killed in combating al-Qaeda. Fisher commented, “It doesn’t have to be said every year on the anniversary of 9/11 like a propaganda parrot. While he might not ‘cheer another 9/11,’ I know he wouldn’t blame the terrorists.”

Another individual, using the name The Uri, highlighted a similar approach taken by Mamdani on Holocaust Remembrance Day, noting that his messages have not varied significantly over several years. “When it comes to the Holocaust, he LOVES the practice of copy+paste,” Uri remarked.

Mamdani’s posts for Holocaust Remembrance Day included a remembrance of the Jewish genocide along with a reference to a poignant story about Jewish refugees denied entry to the U.S. during World War II.

Patterns in Mamdani’s Statements

On Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2023, Mamdani wrote, “Today is #HolocaustRememberanceDay, the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. We mourn & honor the memories of the 6 million Jews & millions of Romani, queer and disabled people murdered by the Nazis…” He used similar language in both 2021 and 2022.

For 9/11, Mamdani has made slight adjustments to his messages over the years, but the core sentiment has remained much the same since he began his political journey in the New York Assembly. He won a legislative seat in 2020, and it seems there has been a sense of obligation on his part to comment on these tragedies.

Another account, Lee Yimby, suggested Mamdani’s responses to Islamic terrorist attacks reflect a different perspective, implying he feels it necessary to respond as an NYC politician. “He copy-and-pasted this four years in a row while in assembly, because he had to say something,” Yimby commented.

David Sivella, a former Democrat, expressed his discontent with Mamdani’s posts, saying they are repetitive and lack mention of 9/11 first responders. “Zohran never mentions 9/11 first responders, the people he would lead as mayor. Zohran posts about Gaza,” he added.

Further Critiques and Public Reactions

Critics, including financier Bill Ackman, have emphasized the absence of specific details in Mamdani’s commemorations. Ackman pointed out, “No mention of how they died and who was responsible… Just a benign statement that a few thousand people died that day. He seems to imply they died of natural causes.”

As of now, Mamdani’s office has not provided a statement addressing these criticisms.