A troubling social media post by a long-time New York City Health Department employee has sparked outrage after resurfacing. The post, which has been described as offensive, called for the eradication of Israelis.
Achmat Akkad, who has served as a community coordinator with the department since 2017, reportedly wrote, “1 Israeli left in this world would be one too many!” on the social platform X over a year ago, according to findings by the Jewish watchdog group Canary Mission.
In a separate post dated November 10, 2021, Akkad, 40, allegedly stated, “Jews that don’t support apartheid are safe. Zionists aren’t!” These comments, which were later deleted, were captured in screenshots by the watchdog group.
This revelation follows a recent controversy involving the Department of Health, led by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which faced backlash for allegedly using taxpayer money to convene a “global oppression” meeting that accused Israel of genocide.
In light of these incidents, there have been growing calls for both city and federal investigations into the department’s actions.
Further scrutiny of Akkad’s past activity on X has uncovered additional incendiary remarks about Israel, which have been archived and shared by critics condemning his rhetoric.
“Israel exists by sacrificing the blood of Black and brown people as an offering to white supremacy,” he said in one of the posts under his handle @AchmatX.
In another post from a year ago, he said Zionists “are behind the attacks, far right parties being elected across the world, attacks on free speech, the wars in MENE, the dehumanization of Muslims, and increase in police power…”
The Post reached Akkad by phone, who confirmed he works for the Health Department and ran the X account in question. But he declined further comment.
He once referred to himself on social media as the “US Ambassador to Harlem.”
The health worker’s X account has since been suspended. The Post hasn’t been able to independently verify the offensive posts as a result.
The Health Department and Mamdani declined to comment.
The mayor had nothing to do with Akkad’s employment.
Akkad was first hired by the city in 2015 by the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services as a community associate, when Bill de Blasio was mayor.
He now makes $65,000 a year in his job at the Health Department.
“If this is who gets elevated into city government, what does that say about the leadership elevating him? New Yorkers should be outraged,” Canary Mission said.
