Zohran Mamdani was elected to serve New Yorkers, not wage war on Israel - opinion

As an Ethiopian-Israeli and a former New York City public servant with over two decades of experience in the city's court system, I believe public service demands a focus on protecting citizens and improving their lives, not engaging in foreign policy disputes. New York City's mayor holds a demanding position, leading over eight million people and managing complex challenges.

I was troubled by public statements suggesting the mayor would act against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited the city. Regardless of one's stance on Netanyahu or Israeli politics, this debate highlights a larger question about democratic leadership and priorities. New Yorkers elected a mayor to govern the city, not to conduct foreign policy. While Israelis have the right to debate their leadership, those decisions belong to Israeli citizens.

The core issue is whether a mayor should dedicate political energy to symbolic international disputes while the city faces urgent local problems. New York City grapples with significant challenges, including public safety concerns, the rising cost of housing, economic recovery for small businesses, mental illness, homelessness, and transit system needs. These issues fall squarely within the responsibilities of municipal leadership.

Furthermore, New York has seen a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, with Jewish institutions increasing security and many Jewish New Yorkers feeling less safe. Every resident deserves a city government focused on protecting its people and strengthening communities. Unfortunately, American politics increasingly rewards symbolic gestures that garner headlines but fail to solve practical problems.