Tel Aviv Vice Mayor Guy Avner challenges NYC Mayor Mamdani to charity boxing event

Tel Aviv Vice Mayor Guy Avner has issued a public challenge to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, proposing a charity boxing match. Avner cited Mamdani's "anti-Israel statements" and accused him of "fomenting hatred towards the Jewish people" in a video posted to Instagram.

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Mayor Mamdani, you've been saying a lot of horrible stuff, creating a lot of hatred towards the Jewish people. As the Vice Mayor of Tel Aviv, I’m going to stand strong. I love America, I love New York City, but you, Mamdani, you're bad news.

"Mayor Mamdani, you've been saying a lot of horrible stuff, creating a lot of hatred towards the Jewish people," Avner stated in the video. "As the Vice Mayor of Tel Aviv, I’m going to stand strong. I love America, I love New York City, but you, Mamdani, you're bad news." Avner then directly challenged Mamdani: "You and me, in the ring, charity event." He added that the proceeds could benefit a charity chosen by the NYC mayor, emphasizing that Mamdani would "stop dissing the Jewish people and the great state of Israel."

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You and me, in the ring, charity event.

Avner further elaborated on his reasoning in a statement to The Jerusalem Post, explaining that boxing represents facing an opponent directly. "Mayor Mamdani has repeatedly thrown punches at Israel, the IDF, and many Jews around the world with his rhetoric," Avner said. "Instead of fighting through headlines and social media, I invited him to step into the ring, where there are rules, respect, and accountability."

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And you're going to stop dissing the Jewish people and the great state of Israel. I'm coming for you. There's nowhere to run. There's nowhere to hide. It's time. You and me, face to face. Let's go.

Avner chose this moment to issue the challenge, stating that "words have consequences," particularly in light of rising antisemitic incidents globally following the October 7, 2023, massacres in southern Israel. He believes public leaders have a responsibility to "lower the temperature, not inflame it." Avner also referenced Mamdani's earlier comments to The New York Times about considering detaining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York, a threat Mamdani later walked back after admitting his administration lacked the authority to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Avner suggested the match could be held in Tel Aviv, adding, "don't worry you won't get arrested."

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boxing is about facing your opponent directly.