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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Mamdani: ‘I can’t tell you I support’ Israel as a Jewish state

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he cannot support states that prioritize one religion over another, including Israel and Saudi Arabia.
  • Mamdani's comments drew swift criticism from Israeli officials and a think tank CEO, who disputed his claims about Israel's religious status.
  • The mayor also addressed voter concerns about US taxpayer money funding actions in Israel that violate international law and harm civilians.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared he cannot endorse states that privilege one religion over another, a stance he applied to both Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The way I see it is equal rights for all people. And I think that that’s the truth for Israel. It’s the truth for any country in the world.

— Zohran MamdaniMamdani's response when asked about his views on Israel and equal rights.

During an interview with ABC's Jonathan Karl, Mamdani articulated his view that "equal rights for all people" should be the standard for any country. When pressed on Israel's identity as a Jewish state, he reiterated his support for Israel as a state with equal rights for all its citizens. However, he maintained his position, stating, "I believe that any state that privileges one religion over the other is one that I can’t tell you I support, whether it be Israel or Saudi Arabia or anywhere else."

I believe that any state that privileges one religion over the other is one that I can’t tell you I support, whether it be Israel or Saudi Arabia or anywhere else.

— Zohran MamdaniMamdani's clarification on his stance regarding states prioritizing religion.

Mamdani's remarks quickly ignited backlash. Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, stated that Israel "do[es] not need your recognition of the Jewish state" and asserted that Israel's Declaration of Independence has guaranteed equality for all citizens since its establishment. Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, questioned Mamdani's knowledge or intent, claiming Israel has no official state religion.

Mamdani, we do not need your recognition of the Jewish state. If you knew a little history, instead of spending all day inciting and spreading hatred, you would know that Israel’s Declaration of Independence guaranteed full equality for all its citizens. That has been the reality since the day our state was established.

— Ofir AkunisAmbassador Ofir Akunis's statement in response to Mamdani's comments.

The interview also touched upon broader views on Israel, which had become a significant issue in recent New York Democratic primaries. Mamdani suggested that voters expressed fatigue with substantial US taxpayer funds being used to violate international law and cause civilian casualties. He noted that despite a declared ceasefire, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Mamdani is either willfully ignorant or maliciously mendacious. Israel has no official state religion.

— Mark DubowitzMark Dubowitz's reaction on X to Mamdani's remarks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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