Prominent Jewish leader Dov Hikind sounds alarm as NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faces accusations of antisemitism that could threaten the safety of New York’s Jewish community.
Key Takeaways
- Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, has labeled NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as “dangerous” for New Yorkers and the Jewish community
- Hikind criticized Mamdani for refusing to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and using inflammatory language about the conflict in Gaza
- Mamdani, a Muslim candidate, has defended himself by claiming his campaign proposes more funding to combat antisemitism than his opponents
- Jewish organizations are being criticized for hosting Mamdani despite his controversial views on Israel
- Hikind has expressed alarm at Mamdani’s success in the Democratic primary, viewing it as a dangerous sign for New York’s Jewish community
Mamdani Labeled “Danger Personified” by Jewish Leader
A prominent Jewish advocate has issued a stark warning about a current NYC mayoral candidate’s positions on Israel and antisemitism. Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and former New York State Assemblyman, has publicly denounced candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling him an unprecedented threat to New York’s Jewish residents. Hikind’s comments highlight growing tensions between progressive political candidates and Jewish community leaders concerned about rising antisemitism across the country.
“There shouldn’t be any question that state assemblyman and current New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is dangerous for the people of New York and for the Jewish community in particular,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
Concerns Over Israel Recognition and Inflammatory Language
At the heart of the controversy is Mamdani’s position on Israel and his characterization of the conflict in Gaza. Hikind has specifically pointed to Mamdani’s reluctance to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, a fundamental issue for many in the Jewish community. The mayoral candidate’s use of the term “genocide” when referring to Israel’s military operations in Gaza has further inflamed tensions, with Jewish leaders viewing such language as dangerously inflammatory and delegitimizing Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas terrorism.
“He has trouble recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. It’s very pathetic that any Jewish organization that has any self-respect would permit him or host them in any fashion … why this person is even permitted into an event, for me personally as a proud Jew, it’s embarrassing,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
Dov Hikind to Newsmax: NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani 'Dangerous' https://t.co/lLoYi7tsrh
— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) May 25, 2025
Mamdani’s Defense and Promise to Jewish Voters
Facing mounting criticism, Mamdani has attempted to defend himself against accusations of antisemitism. The Muslim candidate released a video addressing claims that he refused to condemn the Holocaust, insisting that he actively denounces it. Mamdani has also pointed to his campaign platform, claiming it proposes more substantial funding to combat antisemitism than any of his opponents. Furthermore, he has promised to protect Jewish New Yorkers if elected, though critics remain deeply skeptical of these assurances given his rhetoric on Israel.
Broader Concerns About Progressive Politics and Antisemitism
Hikind’s criticism extends beyond Mamdani to include other progressive political figures he views as enabling antisemitism. He specifically called out Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders for creating an atmosphere where antisemitic views can flourish. This reflects a growing concern among Jewish leaders about the leftward shift in Democratic politics and its impact on Israel-related discourse. The controversy highlights the intensifying debate over when criticism of Israel crosses into antisemitism, particularly in progressive political circles.
“I blame people like AOC and Bernie Sanders and the rest of that clique,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
Alarming Primary Performance Raises Concerns
While Hikind expressed confidence that Mamdani would not ultimately win the Democratic primary, he voiced deep concern about the candidate’s performance thus far. The support Mamdani has garnered represents, in Hikind’s view, a troubling indication of shifting attitudes toward Israel and the Jewish community. The fact that Jewish organizations have hosted Mamdani despite his controversial positions has particularly alarmed Hikind, who views such accommodation as enabling dangerous rhetoric and undermining Jewish security in New York City.
“Mamdani is in a class by himself. He is danger personified. Look, he’s not going to win the Democratic primary. What concerns me is the fact that he’s doing so well. That is a dangerous indication,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
