Many New Yorkers were already feeling uneasy about their next mayor, especially after recent tragic incidents in the U.S. and abroad that have underscored how ill-prepared Zoran Mamdani seems to be.
The recent brutal murder of a Jewish man during Hanukkah by a Muslim father and son in Australia, along with the shooting of a Brown University student and the FBI’s disruption of a suspected terrorist plot in Los Angeles, raise serious concerns about Mamdani’s extreme politics and lack of leadership experience.
Moreover, French authorities decided to cancel the annual New Year’s celebration on the Champs-Elysées due to fears about violent immigrant gangs.
While Mamdani isn’t directly responsible for these events, his strong opinions on Israel, the New York Police Department, and disapproval of the White House’s stance on deporting criminals reveal just how unready he is for the monumental issues awaiting him at City Hall come January 1.
“Globalize the Intifada”
The attack in Australia resonates deeply; many see it as a stark example of jihadists’ calls to “globalize the intifada.”
The motivation behind such acts is often framed as retaliation against Israeli actions, but they primarily serve as a pretext for anti-Semitic violence.
In this context, Mamdani’s predecessor, Mayor Eric Adams, described the attack as emblematic of the “globalization of the intifada.” He emphasizes that such calls to violence arise at pro-Palestinian gatherings and foster an environment where hatred can incite horrific acts.
Mamdani’s complex stance on Israel adds a layer of complexity here. When he was asked about the term during his campaign, he didn’t outright condemn it but remarked it wasn’t language he would personally use.
It’s interesting, really. Meanwhile, he voiced support for the BDS movement and asserted that Israel has no right to be a Jewish homeland unless equal rights exist for all non-Jews—which somehow ignores the rights of Jews in predominantly Muslim countries.
Responding to the Sydney attack, Mamdani issued a statement expressing his sorrow for the Jewish community while also pointing out the growing violence targeting Jews globally.
Yet, why is this fear pervasive among Jews worldwide? The answer is simple—long-standing anti-Semitic hatred fueled by such violence.
What occurred in Australia wasn’t mere conflict; it was a pogrom.
Suspicious Inner Circle
Mamdani’s challenges extend beyond his public statements. It’s also about the people he has selected for his inner circle.
Linda Sarsour, who faced backlash for her anti-Semitic remarks while co-chairing the Women’s March, found a position during Mamdani’s campaign.
Moreover, he has appointed Ramzi Kasem as his chief advisor. Kasem had previously defended an al-Qaeda member convicted for bombing a French oil tanker and has made incendiary claims about Israel, alleging “ethnic cleansing.” His historical perspective on Jewish history appears quite skewed.
In addition, another advisor, Jack Gross, has demonstrated an anti-police stance and openly praises socialist ideals, indicating a conflict between capitalism and his administration’s perspectives on economic development.
Interestingly, Mamdani had a temporary truce with the police when he invited Jessica Tisch to remain as a top cop, but questions remain about whether this collaboration will continue effectively.
The NYPD, underlining its difference from other city departments, focuses on preemptively tackling terrorist threats with federal support—something Mamdani may not prioritize.
In California, the LAPD thwarted a New Year’s Eve bombing plot allegedly involving pro-Palestinian radical leftists who were also planning attacks against immigration officials.
Security Issues
The recent shooting at Brown University that took the lives of two students and injured several others exposes security vulnerabilities within educational institutions that Mamdani will need to address in New York.
The incident brought to light the inadequacies of the Providence Police too, as there were significant delays in releasing critical information regarding the shooter.
The NYPD, generally viewed as more capable, faces the challenge of sustaining its standards under a mayor skeptical of law enforcement. It raises the question—what kind of future does New York face with Mamdani at the helm?
Indeed, let’s hope for the best for New York.
