A review of Mahmoud Mamdani’s social media account by Fox News Digital has uncovered a history of anti-Israel and antisemitic remarks, including praise for activists accused of antisemitism. The 79-year-old professor, known for his anti-Israel views, has been associated with organizations advocating boycotts and sanctions against Israel and has made inflammatory statements during conflicts with Hamas. His son, Zohran Mamdani, a New York City socialist mayoral candidate, has also been scrutinized for his advocacy of a ‘global intifada,’ which has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish groups. The controversy has intensified amid the ongoing conflict and rising tensions over Israel’s actions. Jewish advocacy groups have accused both father and son of promoting antisemitic ideals, raising concerns about the potential impact on American public discourse. Despite the criticism, the Mamdani family has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Previously, Fox News Digital reported that Mahmoud Mamdani serves on the advisory council of an anti-Israel organization that supports boycotts and sanctions. His social media posts have often depicted Israel as a colonial entity, using terms like ‘settlers’ and ‘colonialism.’ During the 2021 conflict with Hamas, Mamdani praised the resistance movement, calling it the ‘birth of the Third Intifadah.’ This stance has drawn significant backlash from Jewish communities, who view such rhetoric as condoning violence against Israel. The use of the term ‘global intifada’ has particularly troubled Jewish groups, as it is seen as advocating for broader, potentially violent resistance against Israel.
The controversy surrounding the Mamdani family escalated when a resurfaced photo of Mahmoud Mamdani sparked a social media firestorm. The image, which showed him in an apparent supportive stance toward a group associated with anti-Israel sentiments, drew outrage from Jewish voters. The incident highlighted the tension between the Mamdani family’s public positions and the expectations of their supporters. Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign has been criticized for not adequately addressing these concerns, with advocacy groups calling for a clear disavowal of his father’s views.
Brooke Goldstein, a human rights attorney specializing in antisemitism, has voiced strong concerns about the Mamdanis’ ideological stance. She has accused the family of promoting anti-American and antisemitic views that threaten the nation’s core values. ‘The Jew-hatred the Mamdani family peddles is fundamentally anti-American and violates the core values our country was founded on,’ Goldstein stated. She emphasized the need for leaders who protect all citizens rather than divide them, warning against the influence of such ideologies on young people.
As the mayoral race heats up, the controversy surrounding Zohran Mamdani’s family background has become a significant point of contention. Jewish advocacy groups have publicly criticized both Mahmoud and Zohran Mamdani, urging the candidates to distance themselves from antisemitic rhetoric. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of antisemitism in American politics, particularly within progressive circles. The ongoing conflict with Hamas and the polarization of public opinion over Israel’s actions have further fueled these debates. The Mamdani family’s stance continues to be a focal point in discussions about the intersection of academic freedom, political ideology, and antisemitism in the United States.