Anti-Israel Protesters Confront NYC Mayor at Oct. 7 Vigil, Accuse Him of 'Genocide'
Demonstrators chanted slogans and directed insults at Zohran Mamdani outside a remembrance event for the Hamas attack anniversary.
Anti-Israel protesters confronted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday, labeling him a "traitor" and accusing him of "genocide" outside a vigil marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The demonstration occurred near Union Square, where a vigil was being held to remember those killed in the Hamas attacks and the subsequent violence.
More than 100 protesters gathered, marching from City Hall to the vigil's location. According to reports, the group beat drums and attempted to disrupt the speakers at the Israelis for Peace Vigil. Mamdani was present at the vigil, holding a candle, when protesters directed insults at him, including claims that he had "sold all your people out" and accusations of genocide.
Chants heard from the crowd included, "Zohran, what do you say? How many kids did you kill today?" and "700,000 dead. Mamdani, your hands are red!" Protesters also stated, "You cannot weaponize being brown anymore. Identity politics can only get you so far."
Some demonstrators called for Mamdani to take action against real estate events marketing properties in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which they described as "stolen" Palestinian land. They also called for the abolition of the City University of New York's Board of Trustees, accusing the board of ignoring demands to divest from Israel-linked investments and criticizing its handling of campus demonstrations.
Mamdani has previously been critical of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and has denounced its treatment of Palestinians. In a statement, he condemned Hamas's attack as a "horrific war crime" but also characterized Israel's military operation as a genocide, stating, "The suffering did not begin nor end that day. It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians — including more than 21,000 children."
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide, asserting its military operations target Hamas while striving to minimize civilian casualties. Mamdani's characterization of Israel's actions drew bipartisan criticism, with some officials calling his statement "egregious and insulting."