Mamdani Defends October 7 Statement After Criticism

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended his October 7 anniversary statement after it drew criticism from Jewish leaders and pro-Palestinian protesters, saying the day should allow people to mourn Israeli and Palestinian deaths. Mamdani issued the statement on October 7, three years after the Hamas-led attacks in Israel. It said Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 people, then described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as an ongoing genocide and criticized occupation, apartheid and U.S. arms shipments to Israel. Those characterizations were Mamdani’s; the supplied accounts do not independently establish them. That evening, Mamdani attended a Union Square vigil organized by Israelis for Peace to remember Israelis killed in the attacks and Palestinians killed in the ensuing war. Pro-Palestinian protesters shouted insults and accused him of betraying their cause. He remained at the vigil but did not address the crowd. The disruption delayed speeches, according to an account of the event. At an October 8 news conference, Mamdani said he was proud to have attended and stood by his statement.