Former New York Governor David Paterson has called for a federal investigation into Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rhetoric concerning Israel, drawing a parallel between the mayor and segregationist George Wallace. Paterson, who is also a former chairman of the state Democratic Party, suggested that Mamdani's strong anti-Israel stance and his past statement threatening to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be perceived as encouraging antisemitism.
Paterson stated, "Mamdani is the 2020s answer to George Wallace." Wallace, a former governor of Alabama, was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights era known for his staunch segregationist views. Paterson, who is Black, expressed concern that while Mamdani may not be explicitly calling for violence, his rhetoric could embolden individuals already on the fringes.
"It’s taking those people on the edge and making them more likely to commit violence. It’s giving fodder to antisemitic people," Paterson claimed. He is collaborating with Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and a former Brooklyn assemblyman, on a letter to the U.S. Justice Department. The letter intends to request an investigation into whether Mamdani's actions violate federal laws. They plan to seek signatures from other elected officials and New York leaders.
This initiative follows recent events in New York City, including an incident where a defendant allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" before stabbing two men, one of whom was Jewish, on the Upper West Side. The suspect was arraigned on charges including attempted murder and assault, with the incidents being prosecuted as hate crimes. These attacks have heightened concerns within the Jewish community in New York.
Paterson highlighted the historical role of Jewish leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and framed his current stance as a reciprocal gesture. "The Jews stood up for us. The least we can do is stand up for them," he said.
Hikind echoed Paterson's concerns, stating that Mamdani has "created a tsunami of Jew hatred." He asserted that free speech has limitations and that Mamdani has fostered an environment where Jewish New Yorkers feel threatened. He also drew a parallel to past criticisms of former President Donald Trump's actions regarding the law.
Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, on Friday, the Mayor's office issued a statement emphasizing that the city "has no tolerance" for hatred of any kind and pledged accountability for those behind attacks. The statement also conveyed relief that the victims were in stable condition and wished them a speedy recovery.