New York — New York’s mayor marked the third anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel on Wednesday with a statement that has sparked backlash among some Jewish leaders.
In his statement, Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the “horrific war crimes of October 7” while also accusing Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza.
The mayor was met with boos as he arrived at a vigil in remembrance of October 7 on Wednesday night in Union Square, video from CNN affiliate WABC showed. He is set to attend a meeting with Palestinian New Yorkers following the vigil, according to his public schedule.
“This day is profoundly painful for so many New Yorkers. It marks three years since the horrific war crimes of October 7. On that day, Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 others. We grieve alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry that unthinkable loss,” Mamdani wrote in his statement.
Yes, I advocate for having higher ethical standards even if it means a genocidal regime sues you. Hearing someone make excuses for pedophiles and genociders as an appeal to ethical standards is pathetic.