Prominent Jewish advocate Dov Hikind calls NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani “danger personified” as concerns mount over the candidate’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state amid rising antisemitism in New York City.
Key Takeaways
- Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, has labeled NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as “incredibly dangerous” for New Yorkers, particularly the Jewish community
- Mamdani has been criticized for his reluctance to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and his use of terms like “genocide” when discussing Gaza
- Despite being a longshot candidate, Mamdani’s concerning level of support represents a “dangerous indication” of growing antisemitic sentiment
- Hikind has expressed dismay that Jewish organizations would host Mamdani despite his controversial positions
- Mamdani claims his campaign has proposed more funding to combat antisemitism than his opponents and promises to protect Jewish New Yorkers
Jewish Leader Sounds Alarm on “Dangerous” NYC Mayoral Candidate
A significant controversy has erupted in the New York City mayoral race as prominent Jewish advocate Dov Hikind has launched a blistering critique of candidate Zohran Mamdani. Hikind, the founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and former New York State Assemblyman, has warned voters about what he perceives as a serious threat to the Jewish community in the form of Mamdani’s candidacy. The Muslim politician’s statements on Israel and alleged reluctance to acknowledge it as a Jewish state have become central points of contention in an increasingly heated campaign environment.
Hikind has minced no words in his assessment of Mamdani, describing him in the starkest terms possible. “There shouldn’t be any question that state assemblyman and current New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is dangerous for the people of New York and for the Jewish community in particular,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism. The criticism centers primarily on Mamdani’s positions regarding Israel and what Hikind characterizes as concerning rhetoric that could potentially inflame tensions within the city’s diverse communities.
Dov Hikind to Newsmax: NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani 'Dangerous' https://t.co/lLoYi7tsrh
— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) May 25, 2025
Concerns Over Israel Recognition and Inflammatory Language
At the heart of Hikind’s criticism is Mamdani’s apparent reluctance to fully acknowledge Israel’s status as a Jewish state. This position has raised significant concerns among Jewish leaders who view such recognition as fundamental to addressing rising antisemitism. Adding fuel to the controversy, Mamdani has reportedly used terminology like “genocide” when discussing Israel’s military operations in Gaza, language that many Jewish advocates find deeply troubling and potentially dangerous in the current climate of increasing antisemitic incidents across the city.
“He has trouble recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. It’s very pathetic that any Jewish organization that has any self-respect would permit him or host them in any fashion … why this person is even permitted into an event, for me personally as a proud Jew, it’s embarrassing,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
In response to these criticisms, Mamdani has released a video defending his positions. He denies accusations that he has refused to condemn the Holocaust and asserts that his campaign actually proposes more funding to combat antisemitism than any of his opponents. The candidate maintains that ensuring the safety of Jewish New Yorkers would be a priority under his administration, though his critics remain deeply skeptical of these claims given his rhetoric on Israel and other related issues.
Broader Concerns About Antisemitism in Progressive Politics
Hikind’s criticisms extend beyond Mamdani to encompass what he sees as a troubling trend within progressive politics. He specifically called out prominent left-wing figures for contributing to an atmosphere where antisemitism has been allowed to flourish. “I blame people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders and the rest of that clique,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism.
While Mamdani is considered unlikely to win the Democratic primary, Hikind expressed significant concern about the level of support the candidate has garnered. “Mamdani is in a class by himself. He is danger personified. Look, he’s not going to win the Democratic primary. What concerns me is the fact that he’s doing so well. That is a dangerous indication,” said Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism. This growing support for candidates with questionable positions on Israel and Jewish issues reflects a troubling shift in New York City politics that has many in the Jewish community deeply concerned about their future safety and standing in what has historically been one of America’s most prominently Jewish cities.
