New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism from Jewish leaders and advocacy groups after comments about the American Israel Public Affairs Committee at a Brooklyn campaign rally sparked accusations of inflammatory and antisemitic rhetoric.
The controversy began after Mamdani spoke at a June 18 rally alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders and progressive candidates ahead of upcoming primary elections. During the speech, Mamdani criticized AIPAC, accusing the pro-Israel lobbying organization of using political money to influence elections and defend Israeli government policy.
Mamdani referred to the current political moment as “the time of monsters” and included AIPAC among the forces he said opposed democracy and an end to what he described as genocide and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wars.
The remarks drew a sharp response from Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, senior rabbi of Kehilath Jeshurun synagogue in Manhattan. Steinmetz accused Mamdani of using dangerous language that could increase hostility toward Jewish organizations and their supporters.
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“Mamdani is accusing AIPAC of being a monster that subverts democracy, supports genocide and wants to divide Americans,” Steinmetz wrote on social media, calling the remarks “pure incitement.”
The rabbi said that as an AIPAC supporter, he viewed Mamdani’s comments as targeting people like him. He also warned that New York already faces serious antisemitism concerns and argued that language portraying Jewish-linked political advocacy as sinister could worsen tensions.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center also criticized the remarks. Its chief executive, Jim Berk, said the suggestion that Jewish political participation is uniquely suspect or manipulative echoes old antisemitic themes. He argued that many organizations lobby and spend money in politics, but that criticism of Jewish groups can cross a line when it portrays them as secretly corrosive or power-hungry.
The Anti-Defamation League similarly called on Mamdani to apologize. The organization said describing members of the Jewish community or their advocacy networks as “monsters” tied to “dark money” went beyond normal political disagreement and risked invoking conspiratorial language with a history in antisemitic rhetoric.
Mamdani’s office had not publicly responded to the criticism at the time of the initial reports.
The dispute comes during a highly charged period in American politics over Israel, Gaza and U.S. foreign policy. Mamdani has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel among prominent New York politicians. He supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and has repeatedly accused Israel of carrying out a genocidal war in Gaza.
Supporters of Mamdani’s position argue that criticism of AIPAC, Netanyahu and Israeli policy is legitimate political speech, especially given the scale of U.S. military and diplomatic support for Israel. They say pro-Israel lobbying groups should not be shielded from scrutiny simply because they represent a sensitive issue.
Critics counter that public officials have a responsibility to avoid language that dehumanizes political opponents or suggests Jewish civic participation is inherently dangerous. They argue that terms such as “monsters” and claims about hidden political control can fuel hostility in a city already dealing with antisemitic incidents.
The controversy highlights the difficult line politicians face when discussing Israel-related advocacy. Strong criticism of lobbying groups and foreign policy is part of democratic debate. But the language used in that debate can carry additional weight when it touches on Jewish identity, antisemitism and violence.
For Mamdani, the backlash adds another challenge as he navigates progressive politics, Jewish community concerns and the intense debate over Israel and Gaza in New York City.
Why It Matters
The controversy matters because it shows how Israel-related rhetoric continues to shape local politics in New York. Mamdani’s critics say his language crossed into dangerous territory, while supporters may view the backlash as an attempt to limit criticism of AIPAC and Israeli policy.
What Comes Next
Jewish groups and political opponents are likely to keep pressing Mamdani for an apology or clarification. Mamdani may also face pressure from allies to defend his criticism of AIPAC while addressing concerns about language that Jewish leaders say can inflame antisemitism.
A report highlighted criticism from Jewish leaders after Mamdani’s remarks about AIPAC drew accusations of inflammatory rhetoric.
Prominent rabbi accuses Mamdani of ‘inciting violence’ against Jews after mayor branded AIPAC ‘monsters’ https://t.co/Bszg3Gcdqq pic.twitter.com/vPQztPhQ2L
— New York Post (@nypost) June 21, 2026
