On Tuesday night, a large gathering of pro-Israel advocates converged at the Gracie residence to voice their discontent with Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Many in the crowd were demanding his resignation and even called for his exile, specifically criticizing his response to anti-Semitism and extremism.
The event, titled “Protest against Zoran Mamdani,” attracted over 300 supporters from across the tri-state area, all united in their defense of Israel.
Meanwhile, a smaller group, labeled “Thank You, Mayor Mamdani,” set up across the street, organized by Rabbi’s Voice.
During the protest, Mamdani’s critics shouted slogans that echoed sentiments from anti-Israel rallies, including phrases like “Zoran, Zoran, we cannot hide, we accuse you of hate and lies” and “From the river to the sea, New York City will be free.”
Corey Cohen, a 32-year-old whose family survived the Holocaust, became emotional discussing the fear he experiences as a Jewish Zionist. He expressed concern over how fellow Jews are often labeled “monsters” by those they don’t know.
“If people are saying I can’t speak Hebrew because I might get attacked, Zoran, what are we doing here? But people aren’t going to be attacked for speaking Arabic or French or Chinese. So I’m just…that’s why I’m crying,” Cohen shared.
Cohen also took the opportunity to criticize Democrats for their perceived inaction following the events of October 7, 2023, which escalated tensions in Israel and Palestine.
“I really think so. [Democrats] It’s for minorities, it’s for human rights, that’s why my heart is broken, because [Hamas] Human rights were violated,” he remarked.
Not everyone was as sympathetic towards the mayor. Adam and Sandy, a senior couple from New Jersey, held a sign depicting Mamdani as “Zoran the Destroyer,” humorously referencing the “Star Wars” character, Emperor Palpatine.
Adam had a clear message: “Please resign.”
Alison, a 25-year-old from Brooklyn, echoed calls for Mamdani to resign and even suggested his deportation. As the protest, organized by the #EndJewHatred movement, continued, the crowd began chanting for Mamdani’s removal.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018, has faced significant backlash recently.
In a previous protest at Gracie’s mansion, tensions escalated when the NYPD intervened to prevent a potentially catastrophic incident.
Earlier in March, two individuals linked to ISIS attempted to detonate an explosive device at a nearby anti-Muslim demonstration. These two young men from Pennsylvania were arrested on the spot and now face federal terrorism charges.
Mamdani’s failure to address the violent extremism following that incident has drawn further criticism from his opponents.
