Fri Jan 02 21:36:50 UTC 2026: ## Israeli Government Condemns New York City Mayor, Falsely Labeled as “Islamist”
New York, NY – The Israeli government has launched a scathing attack on newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, falsely labeling him a “Muslim Brotherhood Islamist” after he revoked several pro-Israel municipal decrees on his first day in office.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who previously served as a state legislator, took office on Thursday, immediately rescinding executive orders implemented by his predecessor, Eric Adams, after Adams was charged with bribery. These orders included restrictions on boycotts of Israel and the adoption of a controversial definition of anti-Semitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which critics argue can be used to stifle criticism of Israeli policies.
Palestinian rights advocates are praising Mamdani’s actions, arguing that the revoked decrees infringed upon the rights of New Yorkers and the dignity of Palestinians. They view the IHRA definition as a tool used to criminalize dissent and silence voices critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded swiftly, decrying Mamdani’s moves as showing “his true face” and fueling “antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister of diaspora affairs, went further, deploying Islamophobic language to call Mamdani a “Hamas sympathizer.” These claims have been widely refuted, with no evidence linking Mamdani to the Muslim Brotherhood or Hamas.
Supporters of Mamdani, however, have condemned these attacks as blatant Islamophobia and disinformation, arguing that they are aimed at stifling any support for Palestinians and criticism of Israeli policies. They maintain that criticizing Israeli policies is not synonymous with antisemitism, and that Mamdani has repeatedly pledged to protect Jewish residents of New York City, including a commitment to continue the Mayor’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism.
Even the administration of former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy. Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said her office would be vigilant “to ANY AND ALL violations of religious liberties” in New York and would investigate, sue and indict as needed.
Mamdani, 34, made history as the first Muslim mayor of New York City after a stunning political upset that saw him defeat former Governor Andrew Cuomo. While his campaign focused primarily on local issues such as affordability and housing, his vocal support for Palestinian rights resonated with many voters amid growing anger over the conflict in Gaza.
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