(C) Global Village Space
Zoran Mamdani, who made history by taking his inaugural oath of office with his hand on the Quran instead of the Bible, has entered a diplomatic confrontation with Israel immediately upon starting his term.
According to the New York Times on January 2nd (local time), the Israeli government reacted strongly against an executive order signed by Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City, shortly after his inauguration. The order effectively repeals pro-Israel measures introduced by the former mayor, Eric Adams. Under the Adams administration, New York City agencies were prohibited from participating in boycotts against Israel, and criticism regarding Israel’s identity as a nation-state was formally treated as antisemitism.
Mayor Mamdani, who maintained a critical stance toward Israel throughout his campaign, moved to nullify these policies as his first official act.
In response, Ophir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, protested the decision, stating, "Mamdani’s decision poses an immediate threat to the Jewish community in New York." The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter), asserting that "Mayor Mamdani has shown his true colors on day one," and accusing him of "pouring gasoline on the fire of antisemitism."
As Jewish residents in New York voiced concerns that targeting Israel endangers their safety, Mayor Mamdani attempted to de-escalate the situation by stating, "Protecting the Jewish citizens of New York is a core mission of this city." He further pledged budgetary support for the prevention of hate crimes.
Previously, Mayor Mamdani had characterized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "war criminal" responsible for genocide in the Gaza Strip. He even went as far as to warn that if Netanyahu were to visit New York, he would mobilize the NYPD to arrest him immediately at the airport.
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