Mamdani criticized for statement mourning Oct. 7 and condemning Israel

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing significant backlash from various political figures following a statement issued on the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. While Mamdani's statement acknowledged the 'horrific' nature of the Hamas attacks and the loss of approximately 1,200 lives, he also used the occasion to condemn Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labeling them as 'genocide,' 'apartheid,' and 'occupation.' Critics, including members of Congress, Israeli officials, and Jewish advocacy groups, have accused the mayor of 'hijacking' a day of mourning to promote anti-Israel rhetoric and failing to specifically mention the Jewish community in his address.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing significant backlash from various political figures following a statement issued on the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. While Mamdani's statement acknowledged the 'horrific' nature of the Hamas attacks and the loss of approximately 1,200 lives, he also used the occasion to condemn Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labeling them as 'genocide,' 'apartheid,' and 'occupation.' Critics, including members of Congress, Israeli officials, and Jewish advocacy groups, have accused the mayor of 'hijacking' a day of mourning to promote anti-Israel rhetoric and failing to specifically mention the Jewish community in his address.