New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani attended a peace vigil Tuesday evening in Union Square organized by Israelis for Peace. The event marked the two-year anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel and called for an end to violence and occupation.
Mamdani was joined by NYC comptroller Brad Lander, his former Democratic rival and now supporter. Speakers at the vigil urged justice, peace, and equal rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Earlier, Mamdani’s public statement on the anniversary drew criticism from Israeli officials. He condemned the 2023 Hamas attacks as a “horrific war crime,” mourning over 1,100 Israeli lives lost and hundreds kidnapped. At the same time, he criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for what he described as a “genocidal war” in Gaza, and accused the U.S. government of complicity. Mamdani cited over 67,000 deaths in Gaza, including thousands of children, and widespread destruction of neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools.
The Israeli foreign ministry accused Mamdani of echoing “Hamas propaganda” and spreading false genocide claims, arguing his remarks ignored Israeli suffering. Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has faced international criticism, with war crimes allegations leading the ICC to issue warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
Mamdani’s stance on Israel and Gaza has divided the NYC mayoral race. While some Jewish and pro-Israel groups criticized him, younger progressive and Jewish voters supporting Palestinian rights continue to back him. A recent Marist poll shows Mamdani holding roughly 35% support among Jewish voters.
The candidate has faced previous controversy for comments on slogans like “globalize the intifada,” which he later clarified he does not endorse, though he supports protest rights. He has also stated he would arrest Netanyahu if he visited NYC under an international warrant.
Despite backlash from figures like David Frum and Fox News’ David Asman, Mamdani remained composed at the vigil. Supporters praised his focus on peace and recognition of victims on both sides.
Mamdani’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict is expected to remain a defining issue in the NYC mayoral race, attracting both criticism and admiration across the city’s diverse communities.
