Over 700 pro-Israel rabbis have signed an open letter calling on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to retract his remarks likening the pro-Israel lobbying group Aipac to "monsters." Mamdani defended his comments, linking them to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Pro-Israel rabbis demand NYC Mayor Mamdani apologize for 'monsters' comment
IN SHORT
Over 700 pro-Israel rabbis have signed an open letter calling on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to retract his remarks likening the pro-Israel lobbying group Aipac to "monsters." Mamdani defended his comments, linking them to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Frequently asked questions
Mayor Zohran Mamdani likened the pro-Israel lobbying group Aipac to "monsters" who use "millions in dark money to accomplish a single goal: to preserve their power, so that they can turn us against one another."
The rabbis believe Mamdani's rhetoric is dangerous, unacceptable, and invokes antisemitic tropes about Jewish power and manipulation, characterizing it as an act of dehumanization.
Mamdani defended his comments, stating he was quoting Antonio Gramsci and that his words were not solely directed at Aipac but at all those preventing a "new world." He also linked his criticism to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Candidates endorsed by Mayor Mamdani won three incumbent congressional seats and five local seats, which supporters interpret as a shift in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel policy.
What Happens Next
01Mayor Mamdani may issue a further statement or apology.
02Further reactions from political figures and advocacy groups are expected.
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Pro-Israel rabbis demand NYC Mayor Mamdani apologize for 'monsters' comment