EXCLUSIVE: Inna Vernikov, a New York City Republican councilwoman, has spoken out about the concerns of her constituents regarding the mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Vernikov told Fox News Digital that voters in her heavily Jewish district are ‘petrified’ about the prospect of Mamdani becoming the city’s next mayor. She described the situation as ‘unprecedented’ and warned that the Jewish community might feel compelled to leave New York City due to Mamdani’s controversial remarks.
Vernikov highlighted the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ as a central point of contention, stating that it represents a dangerous and extreme call for violence. She emphasized that the Jewish community has always been a cornerstone of New York’s society, and the fear of a potential exodus is both alarming and unacceptable. The concerns raised by Vernikov are not isolated; numerous Jewish organizations have also come out in opposition to Mamdani’s candidacy, citing his alignment with radical anti-Israel ideologies.
Earlier in his political career, Mamdani’s anti-Israel views were already a point of contention. His time in college, where he co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, has been scrutinized for promoting what critics describe as radical and hate-filled rhetoric. More recently, Mamdani has faced backlash for his reluctance to condemn the phrase ‘global, which he has since walked back. However, the incident has further fueled doubts about his commitment to addressing anti-Israel sentiments.
The controversy over Mamdani’s views was compounded by the scrutiny of his father, Mahmood Mamdani, whose past social media posts included expressions of support for a potential ‘third intifadah’ against Israel. These familial connections have added another layer of criticism, as they suggest a potential continuity of anti-Israel ideology within the Mamdani family.
Jewish groups and legal experts have echoed Vernikov’s concerns, with some accusing Mamdani’s political brand of being aligned with his father’s radical views. Brooke Goldstein, a human rights attorney, has pointed out that Mamdani’s support for these positions could lead to a ‘radical, hate-filled, and anti-American ideology’ that demonizes Jewish people and legitimizes anti-democratic actions.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s endorsement of Mamdani has drawn criticism, with some arguing that the party is failing to address antisemitism within its ranks. Vernikov has taken issue with this support, calling it hypocritical and suggesting that the party could face a reckoning if Mamdani’s views are seen as a threat to democratic ideals and Jewish communities. As the mayoral race continues to unfold, the concerns raised by critics like Vernikov are likely to remain a significant factor in shaping the narrative around Mamdani’s candidacy and the implications for New York’s diverse population.