On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a statement marking the third anniversary of the Hamas‑initiated attack that killed 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 hostages. In it, he called Israel’s military campaign in Gaza an “ongoing genocide” and warned that the violence had not ended on the day of the attack. He cited Gaza’s death toll—over 74,000 Palestinians, more than 21,000 children—and accused Israel of bombing ambulances, residential buildings and journalists, and of severing food aid.
Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Mamdani on X, writing, “Shame on you for trying to blow a kiss and slap Israelis in the face at the same time.” She added, “This is antisemitism, no matter how you try to put a bow on it.”
Israeli diplomatic circles were quick to respond. UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the New York Post that Mamdani was attempting to “hijack” a day dedicated to victims and survivors. Danon likened the move to diverting the September 11 anniversary toward criticism of America instead of honoring those who fell.
Jewish advocacy groups in New York—UJA‑Federation, JCRC‑NY, AJC New York and the Board of Rabbis—issued a joint statement condemning Mamdani’s rhetoric. They warned that language that “demonizes and delegitimizes Israel” could fuel antisemitic attacks on New York City’s Jewish community.
Mamdani, who has long campaigned against Israeli policies in Gaza, was scheduled to attend the Oct. 7 remembrance vigil before meeting with Palestinian New Yorkers, according to city press releases. He is set to address the New York City Council tomorrow, where he is expected to defend his remarks and explain his stance on Israel‑Palestine tensions.