700 US rabbis demand Mamdani apologize for AIPAC ‘monster’ remarks

Mamandi accused AIPAC of using “millions in dark money” to “preserve their power” and “turn us against one another.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Rabbis and cantors from across the United States called on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to apologize for his remarks about AIPAC, saying his comments demonized pro-Israel civic participation and contributed to growing concerns about antisemitism.

In a public statement, the clergy members said they represent different Jewish communities and political viewpoints but were united in condemning Mamdani’s June 18 remarks describing AIPAC as “monsters” and accusing the organization of using “millions in dark money” to “preserve their power” and “turn us against one another.”

The signatories argued that referring to political opponents as “monsters” dehumanizes them and carries particular significance when directed at a group closely associated with the Jewish community.

They said Mamdani later reaffirmed the remarks after facing criticism.

The statement said the comments came as antisemitism continues to rise in the United States and pointed to recent criminal cases involving threats against AIPAC.

It noted that five individuals were charged with plotting to kill AIPAC-supported government officials, according to an FBI criminal complaint, while a Florida man was indicted the same day for allegedly planning a mass shooting targeting an AIPAC office.

The clergy also cited criticism from major Jewish organizations. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, wrote, “This is the kind of bigoted conspiracy mongering that you expect from unhinged streamers or white supremacists. It’s not the language that we should expect from the mayor whose jurisdiction suffers from the highest levels of antisemitism of any city in America.”

Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, said, “When you call people monsters, you’re not debating ideas, you’re dehumanizing the people you disagree with. And when that comes from a mayor, it creates an environment where people…wonder whether they can safely live and speak as themselves.”

The statement said criticism of Israeli government policy is legitimate but argued that portraying Zionists or pro-Israel Jews as uniquely sinister crosses into prejudice.

It also linked Mamdani’s remarks to the growing prominence of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates, noting that he is the country’s most prominent DSA-affiliated officeholder.

The rabbis and cantors concluded by urging Mamdani to retract his comments and apologize, writing, “Criticizing Israeli policy is not antisemitic. Treating millions of Zionist Jews as morally suspect, politically illegitimate or less deserving of equal participation in public life is.”