Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s recent comments “outrageous” and harmful to Jewish communities, saying they undermine the legitimacy of the Jewish people’s historic homeland and threaten religious freedom.
Speaking at Yeshiva University in New York, Herzog warned that anti-Jewish rhetoric, often disguised as anti-Zionism, is on the rise in public discourse and online.
Herzog cited a recent incident at a Manhattan synagogue where an aliyah (immigration to Israel) event was disrupted by anti-Israel protesters, calling Mamdani’s response to the event “deeply disturbing.” He stressed that such rhetoric encourages violence and must be confronted.
Herzog also praised the U.S. and Donald Trump for their support in hostage returns and for outlining a postwar vision for the region.
In his speech, Herzog touched on the ongoing Gaza conflict, lauding the courage of Israeli civilians and soldiers, and highlighted U.S. cooperation in hostage recovery efforts.
