Israeli Minister Attacks Mamdani, Calls on New York Jews to Immigrate to Israel

Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, launched a severe attack today, Wednesday, on New York City's Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a "Hamas supporter" and urging the city's Jewish community to move to Israel following his victory.

Israeli Minister's Criticism of Mamdani

• Harsh Description: The right-wing minister wrote on his X account: "The city that was once a symbol of global freedom has handed its keys to a Hamas supporter."

• 9/11 Comparison: Chikli suggested that Mamdani's positions are "not far from the extremists who killed 3,000 residents" of New York 25 years ago, in a direct reference to the 9/11 attacks.

• London 'Abyss' Parallel: The minister added that "New York will not be the same, especially for its Jewish community. New York is walking open-eyed toward the abyss that London has sunk into."

Call for Jewish Immigration and Mamdani's Assurance

• Immigration Call: Chikli directly called on New York Jews, stating: "I urge New York Jews to seriously consider making their new home in the land of Israel."

• Victory Despite Attacks: Mamdani (34), who will take office as mayor of the largest US city in January 2026, won despite fierce attacks on his policies and Muslim background from economic elites, conservative commentators, and former President Donald Trump, who had described him on Tuesday as "anti-Jewish."

• Mamdani's Unwavering Stance: Mamdani is a longtime supporter of the Palestinian cause, having described Israel as an "apartheid regime" and the war in Gaza as "genocide"—positions he has not retracted.

• Reassurance Message: Mamdani recently affirmed: "We will build a municipality that does not hesitate to fight the scourge of antisemitism, and where over a million Muslims know they belong."