Israel foreign ministry criticizes Mamdani over October 7 statement
On the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a 'mouthpiece for Hamas' after his social media post marking the day. Mamdani acknowledged the Hamas atrocities but also accused Israel of launching a genocidal war in Gaza. The criticism highlights ongoing concerns about Mamdani's positions on Israel amid his Democratic nomination for mayor.
The Israel Foreign Ministry issued a statement on October 7, 2025, labeling New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist nominee for New York City mayor, as a 'mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda.' This came in response to Mamdani's post commemorating the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks, in which Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and kidnapped 250 others.
In his statement, Mamdani wrote, 'Two years ago today, Hamas carried out a horrific war crime... I mourn these lives and pray for the safe return of every hostage.' However, he criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 'launching a genocidal war' in Gaza, claiming the death toll 'far exceeds 67,000' due to bombings of homes, hospitals, and schools. He added, 'Every day in Gaza has become a place where grief itself has run out of language,' and accused the U.S. government of complicity, calling for an end to 'occupation and apartheid.'
The ministry responded sharply: 'Two years after Hamas launched its barbaric massacre against Israel and the Jewish people, Mamdani has chosen to act as a mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda—spreading Hamas’s fake genocide campaign.' It further stated that 'by repeating Hamas’s lies, he excuses terror and normalizes antisemitism,' and concluded, 'He stands with Jews only when they are dead. Shameful.'
Mamdani's post and the backlash occur amid broader scrutiny of his campaign. Jewish leaders have expressed concerns over his past reluctance to condemn the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' though in July 2025, after speaking with a rabbi, he said he would discourage its use. In a June 2025 'Meet the Press' interview, he refused to denounce it three times, saying, 'Ultimately, it is not language that I use... what I will do is showcase my vision for the city through my words and my actions.' He has also supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.
The antisemitism watchdog group Canary Mission criticized Mamdani for 'paying lip service to condemning the Hamas massacre' while directing 'much more vitriol' at Israel. Jewish activist Yuval David warned, 'If Zohran Mamdani is elected, expect a Jewish exodus out of New York City.'
Campaign finance records show Mamdani's team has donated over $33,000 to the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America since early 2025, including $28,677 on September 15 for texting efforts. DSA leaders have boasted of close collaboration, with organizer Daniel Goulden stating in July, 'With Zohran, we're in basically the best possible position to seize state power.' Mamdani's platform includes freezing rents for over two million rent-stabilized tenants, free childcare, and free buses, aligning with DSA priorities.
Mamdani's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.