Israel's UN Ambassador Criticizes NYC Mayor's October 7th Anniversary Message
Danny Danon accuses Zohran Mamdani of hijacking the anniversary with accusations against Israel, comparing it to mourning al-Qaeda on 9/11.
Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his message commemorating the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Danon accused Mamdani of attempting to "hijack" the anniversary and turn it into a "propaganda attack against Israel," drawing a parallel to "turning September 11 into a day of mourning for al-Qaeda terrorists."
Mamdani's statement on the anniversary acknowledged the "horrific war crimes" committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,100 Israelis and took 251 hostages. However, the mayor's message then pivoted to accusations against Israel, referencing a Palestinian death toll of over 74,000, including more than 21,000 children, and accusing the Israeli government of carrying out a "devastating, ongoing genocide."
Mamdani also alleged that Israel has bombed ambulances, targeted residential buildings and journalists with drone strikes, and withheld food aid. He further accused the U.S. government of complicity in Israeli "war crimes" through its military support.
In response, Danon stated, "We will remember those who were murdered, and we will never forget who was behind this massacre." The Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt also criticized Mamdani, accusing him of "weaponizing a day meant for mourning the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust to recycle your usual antizionist talking points."
Other officials also condemned Mamdani's remarks. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the message "disgusting and shameful to use October 7th as an excuse to repeat Hamas’ talking points." Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley stated, "Shame on you for trying to blow a kiss and slap Israelis in the face at the same time."
The October 7, 2023, attacks saw Hamas-led terrorists storm southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. Israelis marked the third anniversary of the attacks with memorials and vigils.