After coming under fire for initial response, Mamdani offers more criticism of synagogue protest

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani offers more criticism of a caustic protest outside a synagogue last week, after coming under fire from Jewish groups for his initial response.

Anti-Zionist demonstrators chanted “Death to the IDF,” called for an intifada in New York, and hurled racist abuse at Jews during the demonstration in Manhattan.

“We will protect New Yorkers’ First Amendment rights while making clear that nothing can justify language calling for ‘death to’ anyone,” Mamdani tells The New York Times. “It is unacceptable, full stop.”

The protest focused on an event hosted by Nefesh B’nefesh, a group that helps Jews immigrate to Israel, and provides some information for those seeking to move to West Bank settlements.

In Mamdani’s first comment on the protest last week, his spokesperson said, “The Mayor-elect has discouraged the language used at last night’s protest and will continue to do so.”

“He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation, and that these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law,” the spokesperson said.

Mamdani’s implication that the synagogue invited protest by violating international law ignited a firestorm of criticism from Jewish leaders.

The group that organized the protest, PAL-Awda, announces another demonstration next week in Manhattan, without providing a specific location.