NYC Jewish leaders accuse Mamdani of ‘hollow’ Tisha B’Av greeting days after calling Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’

Other respondents posted images of the Temple alongside calls for its rebuilding and argued that Mamdani’s statements have only increased antisemitism and tensions on New York streets.

By Gila Isaacson, JFeed

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani triggered sharp backlash from Jewish community leaders Thursday when his Tisha B’Av greeting to the city’s Jewish residents sparked accusations of insincerity and political theater.

Mamdani posted on X (formerly Twitter) wishing the city’s Jewish residents a “safe and meaningful” fast from sunset Thursday through Friday, writing, “From sundown tonight until tomorrow, mourners will pause and reflect on the history and resiliency of the Jewish people. May all observing have a safe and meaningful fast.”

The greeting, which appeared routine, quickly drew thousands of angry responses from Jewish activists and institutional leaders who characterized it as hollow given his history of pro-Palestinian statements and recent controversial comments about Netanyahu.

Community Leaders Call Out ‘Hypocrisy’

Moses Sheffren, president of the United Jewish Teachers, issued a formal statement questioning Adams’ sincerity. “You cannot wish us a quiet Tisha B’Av after last night’s theater,” Sheffren wrote.

“You continue to use false narratives and lies against Israel and the Jewish people and continue to be an obstacle to our security.”

Sheffren’s statement came days after Mamdani faced criticism for previous remarks that Netanyahu should be arrested as a “war “criminal”—comments he later walked back, acknowledging the city has no legal jurisdiction to enforce such actions.

April Silverman, an activist in the community, posted bluntly:

“Get out of here! You don’t care about Jews fasting and mourning. You think it was nice to heckle us during the Nine Days with your fake calls to stop Netanyahu when you have no authority to do that?!”

Other respondents posted images of the Temple alongside calls for its rebuilding and argued that Mamdani’s statements have only increased antisemitism and tensions on New York streets.

The Mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.