A Jewish advocacy group, Stop Antisemitism, has condemned Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, for sharing a video mocking Hanukkah traditions on social media. The group claims Mamdani posted the video, which features a satirical performance by the Geeta Brothers Duet Group, as ‘sick’ and inappropriate, highlighting concerns about his stance on Israel and support for the BDS movement. This incident has intensified criticism of Mamdani’s campaign, which has already faced accusations of antisemitism from its outset.
The video, which was posted by Mamdani in December 2024, features the Geeta Brothers Duet Group, a satirical and comedic duo known for their parody album ‘Punjabi Christmas Album Hits.’ The video, which depicts Indian men in stereotypical Jewish garb, spinning dreidels and lighting a menorah, has been accused of perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes. Stop Antisemitism argues that Mamdani’s actions not only mock Jewish traditions but also demonstrate a disregard for the cultural and religious significance of these practices.
Mamdani’s campaign has faced scrutiny for its stance on Israel and its support for the BDS movement, which advocates for Palestinian statehood and boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel. This has drawn criticism from Jewish community leaders and media outlets, who argue that his position on Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is problematic. In a recent interview with Fox 5, Mamdani stated that he does not support any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship based on religion, a position that has been widely criticized as antisemitic.
The controversy has also extended to Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ which has been used to promote a more radical form of resistance against Israel. Stop Antisemitism founder Liora Rez has argued that electing Mamdani as mayor would be ‘catastrophic’ for Jewish residents of New York City and even for other citizens, due to his ‘troubling stances on socialism.’ This has sparked a broader debate about the implications of his political platform and its potential impact on the city’s diversity and social cohesion.
In addition to the criticism from Jewish groups, Mamdani’s campaign has also faced backlash from other political figures and media outlets, who have questioned his suitability for the role of mayor given his past actions and statements. The controversy has underscored the sensitivity of issues related to religious and cultural identity in a diverse city like New York, and the challenges of navigating these issues in a political context.