A prominent pro-Israel activist is urging fellow Jewish leaders to boycott a Jewish heritage event Mayor Zohran Mamdani is hosting at Gracie Mansion next Monday.
Americans Against Antisemitism founder Dov Hikind blasted Mamdani and his artist wife, Rama Duwaji, saying the couple have been hostile to Jews through a series of controversial statements and social media posts.
“Things are out of control in this city. Attacks upon Jews. Fear in the Jewish community,” said Hikind, who previously served in the state Assembly for 35 years representing heavily orthodox Jewish communities in southern Brooklyn.
“I am calling on Jewish leaders not to attend this event. I plead with you to take a stand. Show pride. Have self respect,” Hikind said in a video provided to The Post that he plans to publish online.
Invitations sent out by the mayor’s office called the May 18 event a “Shavuot Celebration in Honor of Jewish Heritage Month” and noted that a “festive kosher dairy menu will be served.”
Mamdani’s relationship with segments of the Jewish community remains strained.
He supports the controversial boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel and accused the Jewish state of committing genocide in the war with Hamas in Gaza that was sparked after the terrorist group attacked the country on Oct. 7, 2023. He has also associated with people accused of promoting antisemitism.
First Lady Duwaji has also come under fire for social media posts praising Palestinian terrorists and bashing Israel.
“I understand that for many of you, having a Jewish police commissioner is deeply comforting,” Tisch said.
Mamdani was notably absent from the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York’s annual gala at The Plaza Hotel last night, which Gov. Kathy Hochul attended along with State Attorney Letitia James and state and city comptrollers Tom DiNapoli and Mark Levine.
Mamdani’s police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish, also attended and was a featured speaker.
“The mayor and his wife and family are radical Islamists endangering the welfare of America and the Jewish community,” Hikind claimed.
He said Jewish leaders must deal with Mamdani as mayor, but do not need to promote him.
“You don’t have to go to Gracie Mansion to hug and kiss and take pictures while undermining the entire Jewish community. You have an opportunity to be a leader and make a powerful statement. You don’t have to Gracie Mansin for cheese danishes,” Hikind said.
Tisch, during her speech to the JCC, discussed her family’s Jewish heritage and said Jews are being targeted across the globe. But she said she and the NYPD have zero tolerance for antisemitism and all forms of hate.
“Please know that I do not take that responsibility lightly. I feel it in my mind, in my bones and in my heart, and it helps shape the work that I do to keep all communities safe,” she said to applause.
Mamdani’s office had no immediate comment.