New York City Mayor Eric Adams is raising alarms over the outcome of Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary, where Zohran Mamdani, known for his sharp criticism of Israel, emerged victorious. Adams warned that Mamdani’s positions should give the Jewish community reason for concern.
Speaking about Mamdani’s approach to Middle East issues, Adams remarked, “has been unwilling to just address some of the basic issues as just the acknowledgement of Israel and his real unwillingness to talk about some of the behavior that has played out on our streets.”
Adams criticized Mamdani’s silence during recent demonstrations, saying, “During some of the protests [it] was really disrespectful. In some cases, I think it is antisemitic rhetoric, and so I think that the Jewish community should be concerned,” in an interview with RUSA Radio, a Russian-language station.
Highlighting the broader implications, Adams noted, “If the Jewish community cannot feel safe in the city where it’s the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, then when can they feel safe? And I think it’s problematic when you have a socialist who is displaying antisemitic views to be able to run and be elected in New York City,” according to a transcript provided by his office.
Mamdani, a state assemblyman representing Queens and affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, is now the party’s presumed nominee for the general mayoral election in November. His chief rival, Andrew Cuomo, who previously served as governor of New York, officially conceded the race on Wednesday.
Adams, a consistent advocate for Israel and a longtime ally of Jewish neighborhoods across the city, has opted to run in the general election as an independent candidate.
{Matzav.com}