New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing mounting criticism over what Jewish leaders call a blatant double standard on hateful rhetoric. His reaction to a synagogue protest has sparked questions about whether he is willing to condemn antisemitism without excuses.
The controversy began when protesters gathered outside Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue, where the nonprofit Nefesh B’Nefesh hosted an event supporting immigration to Israel. Demonstrators reportedly shouted phrases like “death to the IDF” and “globalize the intifada” while religious services took place inside.
Mamdani acknowledged the chants and said he “discouraged the language” used by some protesters.
At the same time, he targeted the synagogue’s event, arguing that “sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law.”
His team later clarified that he was referring to Jewish migration to areas of the West Bank. The explanation only intensified criticism from groups who believe Mamdani was shifting blame away from protesters calling for violence.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) immediately condemned his remarks, stating that the response reflected a hateful ideology toward Jewish people, USA Today reported.
“This is outrageous and deeply offensive and is rooted in a hateful ideology that Jews are the only people in the world who do not deserve the right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland,” the organization said.
Following the backlash, Mamdani released a second statement that avoided criticism of the synagogue entirely. He declared that “nothing can justify language calling for ‘death to’ anyone. It is unacceptable, full stop,” without addressing accusations that his first reaction excused hostility toward Jewish worshippers.
The ADL is now closely monitoring Mamdani’s incoming administration. It launched a “Mamdani Monitor” to track whether the mayor-elect condemns antisemitism consistently and without caveats.
The New York Times also reported that two well-known rabbis, Arthur and Marc Schneier, believe Mamdani now supports legislation that would ban protests outside houses of worship. The suggestion has prompted Democratic State Senator Liz Krueger to explore the possibility of such a law.
Other civil rights leaders have responded with caution. The New York Civil Liberties Union said it is hopeful Mamdani will defend constitutional rights evenly and without favoritism.
NYCLU director Donna Lieberman said the mayor must avoid even “the appearance or the reality of promoting any or all religions.” She warned that government funding cannot be used to support religious messaging, including programs hosted by houses of worship.
Lieberman also expressed optimism that Mamdani is capable of engaging critics constructively, pointing to his recent visit with President Trump as proof that he can work with political opponents.
Civil rights tensions around religious freedoms and free speech have only intensified as Mamdani prepares to take office. Jewish New Yorkers are now watching closely to see whether he will hold protesters to the same standard he applies to religious institutions.
The ADL said it expects the mayor-elect to “speak out forcefully against antisemitism in all forms and without caveats.” Jewish organizations believe that it will be his first major test in office.
