Israel-Palestine
ADL draws criticism after launching “Mamdani Watch” as New York’s new mayor courts Jewish leaders
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Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor on Jan. 1, 2026, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. In the weeks around the inauguration, he held outreach meetings with Jewish leaders amid anxiety about antisemitism, while the Anti-Defamation League faced criticism from some commentators for creating a “Mamdani Watch” effort focused on his political circle.
Members of the Juives et juifs révolutionnaires collective criticize in a Le Monde op-ed a bill aimed at combating renewed forms of antisemitism, accusing it of conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism. They argue that this measure weakens the fight against antisemitism by pitting solidarity with Palestinians against the condemnation of racist acts. They advocate for a strong social response rather than a repressive policy.
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More than 200 cultural figures, including actors, writers, and musicians, have signed a petition calling for the release of Marwan Barghouti, a jailed Palestinian leader often likened by supporters to Nelson Mandela. Barghouti is serving five life sentences plus 40 years after an Israeli court convicted him in 2004 over deadly attacks during the Second Intifada; critics say portraying him chiefly as a political prisoner obscures his murder convictions and the victims of those attacks.
Socialist Democrat New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was escorted by security through Manhattan's Foley Square after a protester accused him of antisemitism. The confrontation occurred on Friday amid shouts demanding he denounce Hezbollah and Sharia law. Video footage captured the tense scene as protesters trailed him to a waiting vehicle.
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On the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Berlin police dispersed a banned pro-Palestinian demonstration at Alexanderplatz. Around 250 to 500 participants gathered despite the ban, chanting aggressive slogans and resisting. Several arrests followed, with one officer injured.