NYC Mayor Mamdani calls AIPAC 'monsters' ahead of New York primaries

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a scathing critique of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during a rally in Brooklyn, describing the influential pro-Israel lobby as "monsters." Speaking ahead of the Democratic primaries, Mamdani accused AIPAC of deploying "millions in dark money" with the aim of sowing division and undermining democracy. He asserted that the organization fears both democratic processes and an end to "genocide and Netanyahu’s wars" in Gaza. Mamdani's remarks, made at an event headlined by Sen. Bernie Sanders, targeted not only AIPAC but also Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct in the ongoing conflict. He characterized the opposition as multifaceted, with AIPAC representing a significant force "for whom the only thing more frightening than democracy being allowed to run its course is an end to genocide and Netanyahu’s wars." The mayor further alleged that AIPAC's financial tactics serve to "preserve their power so that they can turn us against one another." Senator Sanders, who also spoke at the rally, echoed the criticism, stating, "The American people understand that a large part of our horrific foreign policy is impacted by AIPAC funding." Mamdani also voiced support for progressive congressional candidates, including State Assembly member Claire Valdez, praising her stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and her advocacy for a ceasefire.

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The monsters that we are up against, they take many different forms.