Protesters Rally Against NYC Mayor Ahead of Netanyahu Visit

Approximately 150 students and Jewish leaders rallied outside Gracie Mansion on Friday to protest remarks made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, particularly his past statements regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to the city. The demonstration occurred ahead of Netanyahu's scheduled appearance at the UN General Assembly.

Protesters gathered to recite prayers and chant, expressing their opposition to Mamdani's rhetoric. Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun criticized the mayor, stating, "This summer, the mayor of New York demonized supporters of Israel and focused on singling out the Jewish state for criticism." He added, "In this climate of criticism, we need you to remember who you are, and we need you to stand tall. We are not running. We are standing here in the open, in the streets of New York."

Actor Michael Rappaport, who attended the rally, called Mamdani "the most divisive mayor in the history of this city by far." Rappaport also made critical remarks about Mamdani's wife.

The rally comes as security measures are being heightened in the city for Netanyahu's visit. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has ordered increased patrols for major events, citing "hostilities in Iran" and a rise in antisemitic attacks. These concerns are informed by recent incidents, including a stabbing outside an Upper West Side synagogue and thwarted plots targeting Jewish institutions.

Eight-year-old Annie, a participant in the rally, expressed a desire for safety, saying, "I want to feel safe being openly Jewish in my city. I want to be able to wear my [Star of David], go to synagogue and go to school without being afraid of antisemitism. I’m here to ask our mayor to make the safety of Jewish New Yorkers a priority and to respectfully listen to the concerns of people who disagree with you."

Stella Zavodnick, a student at Salanter Akiba Riverdale High School, spoke about a perceived shift in attitudes toward Jewish New Yorkers following the Hamas-Israel war. She stated, "My Jewish identity didn’t begin with a hard year, and it isn’t defined by one, either. It began with generations of learning, of showing up for each other, of building through exile, through return, through every attempt to erase us. Now that story belongs to us, to my generation."

Mamdani had previously suggested he was seeking a legal avenue to arrest Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, though City Hall later acknowledged he did not have the authority to do so. Rappaport also mentioned he is considering a run for mayor in 2029, citing Mamdani's conduct in office as a motivation.