Mamdani Draws Oct. 7 Backlash at Union Square Vigil as 12% Jewish NYC Questions His Unity
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 8
Mamdani Draws Oct. 7 Backlash at Union Square Vigil as 12% Jewish NYC Questions His Unity
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 8
Summary
Union Square erupted about 12 hours after Zohran Mamdani issued an Oct. 7 anniversary statement, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators jeering the mayor until he left without speaking.
The uproar began after some Jewish leaders said his morning statement minimized Israeli suffering in the Hamas-led attack, reviving criticism of his long-running anti-Israel stance.
Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, appeared shaken as security escorted him to an SUV, underscoring how the anniversary overwhelmed efforts to solemnly mark the deadliest day in Israeli history.
For New York — a city that is 12% Jewish — the episode sharpened doubts about whether Mamdani can bridge communities still deeply divided over Oct. 7 and Gaza.