A leading pro-Israel advocate has voiced strong criticism towards certain Orthodox Jewish leaders for their perceived leniency towards Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a recent meeting. This criticism came after Mamdani made incendiary remarks, accusing Israeli Jews of genocide in Gaza.
Former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who established the organization Americans Against Antisemitism, expressed his discontent in a video statement shared on X, declaring, “This is what Jewish betrayal looks like.” Hikind, himself a member of the Jewish community, accused these leaders of being easily swayed by Mamdani.
Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov echoed Hikind’s sentiments on X, commending him for his outspoken stance: “Thank you Dov for speaking out.”
The meeting in question, hosted by Mamdani at City Hall, was attended by a select group of Orthodox Jewish leaders. Among these were Rabbi David Niederman, who leads the United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg, and Yeruchim Silber, who serves as the New York government relations director for Agudath Israel.
Other notable figures at the gathering included Rabbi Yaacov Behrman from Crown Heights, founder of the Jewish Future Alliance, Yoel Rosenfeld, a prominent leader within the Bobov community, and Rabbi Moishe Indig, a leader in the Satmar community.
Other attendees included Yeruchim Silber, New York government relations director for Agudath Israel, Rabbi Yaacov Behrman of Crown Heights and founder of Jewish Future Alliance, Yoel Rosenfeld, a leader in the Bobov community and Satmar community leader Rabbi Moishe Indig.
One of the attendees did ask Mamdani if he would meet one of the hostages held captive by Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023 invasion of Israel, Hikind and other sources said.
“The mayor flashed his million dollar smile and surprise, surprise. He didn’t say anything!” said Hikind, who represented heavily orthodox Jewish Borough Park for 36 years, and was briefed after the meeting.
“And the day after, less than 24 hours after meeting with Jewish leaders, the mayor accuses Israel and the Jewish people of genocide. The next day, for God’s sake!. How pathetic these so-called Jewish leaders are,” he said, referring to Mamdani’s comments during St. Patrick’s Day events.
One of the attendees, Yaacov Behrman, took issue with Hikind’s condemnation, calling it misplaced.
He said the meeting was planned before recent controversies surrounding the allegedly anti-Israel actions of the mayor and his wife.
The controversies include inviting accused Hamas supporter Mahmoud Khalil to Gracie Mansion for Ramadan dinner and being recently introduced at an event by activist Abdullah Akl, who previously called for strikes on Tel Aviv. Also, First Lady Rama Duwaji drew controversy for doing artwork for Israel basher Susan Abulhawa.
“The meeting lasted as long, if not longer, than similar meetings I attended with the past three administrations, and I’ve been to many such meetings over the years,” Berhman said.
“Everyone present had the opportunity to speak. I used my time to respectfully and constructively raise concerns. I made a statement and did not ask a question, because my goal was to express my perspective and ensure the Mayor heard it directly from us.
Berhman continued, “The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged Chassidim to show respect for the Office of the Mayor, even when there are disagreements or concerns. When invited to meet with the Mayor, boycotting a sitting Mayor is both misguided and foolish.”
Berhman said he’s known Hikind for a “very long time” and that the former assemblyman did not call him about what transpired at the meeting with the mayor.
“Had he called, I am confident he would have agreed with me,” he said.
Michael Nussbaum, a Queens member of the Jewish Community Relations Council, said Mamdani should be consulting with a cross-section of Jewish New Yorkers, not just “one segment” — the ultra-orthodox community.
Mamdani’s office had no immediate comment.
