A outstanding pro-Israel activist slammed Orthodox Jewish leaders for going straightforward on Mayor Zohran Mamdani throughout a gathering Monday, solely to see Mamdani hours later accuse Israeli Jews of committing genocide in Gaza.
“That is what Jewish betrayal seems to be like,” fumed former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, founding father of People Towards Antisemitism, in a videotaped assertion on X.
“These are the Jewish leaders who’re on the market. Simply purchased by Mamdani,” mentioned Hikind, who’s himself Jewish.
Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov responded on X, “Thanks Dov for talking out.”
Mamdani invited a small variety of orthodox Jewish leaders to a gathering at Metropolis Corridor, which included Rabbi David Niederman, head of the United Jewish Group of Williamsburg.
Different attendees included Yeruchim Silber, New York authorities relations director for Agudath Israel, Rabbi Yaacov Behrman of Crown Heights and founding father of Jewish Future Alliance, Yoel Rosenfeld, a pacesetter within the Bobov neighborhood and Satmar neighborhood chief Rabbi Moishe Indig.
One of many attendees did ask Mamdani if he would meet one of many hostages held captive by Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023 invasion of Israel, Hikind and different sources mentioned.
“The mayor flashed his million greenback smile and shock, shock. He didn’t say something!” mentioned Hikind, who represented closely orthodox Jewish Borough Park for 36 years, and was briefed after the assembly.
“And the day after, lower than 24 hours after assembly with Jewish leaders, the mayor accuses Israel and the Jewish individuals of genocide. The subsequent day, for God’s sake!. How pathetic these so-called Jewish leaders are,” he mentioned, referring to Mamdani’s feedback throughout St. Patrick’s Day occasions.
One of many attendees, Yaacov Behrman, took problem with Hikind’s condemnation, calling it misplaced.
He mentioned the assembly was deliberate earlier than latest controversies surrounding the allegedly anti-Israel actions of the mayor and his spouse.
The controversies embody inviting accused Hamas supporter Mahmoud Khalil to Gracie Mansion for Ramadan dinner and being lately launched at an occasion by activist Abdullah Akl, who beforehand known as for strikes on Tel Aviv. Additionally, First Girl Rama Duwaji drew controversy for doing paintings for Israel basher Susan Abulhawa.
“The assembly lasted as lengthy, if not longer, than comparable conferences I attended with the previous three administrations, and I’ve been to many such conferences through the years,” Berhman mentioned.
“Everybody current had the chance to talk. I used my time to respectfully and constructively increase considerations. I made a press release and didn’t ask a query, as a result of my objective was to specific my perspective and make sure the Mayor heard it straight from us.
Berhman continued, “The Lubavitcher Rebbe inspired Chassidim to indicate respect for the Workplace of the Mayor, even when there are disagreements or considerations. When invited to satisfy with the Mayor, boycotting a sitting Mayor is each misguided and silly.”
Berhman mentioned he’s recognized Hikind for a “very very long time” and that the previous assemblyman didn’t name him about what transpired on the assembly with the mayor.
“Had he known as, I’m assured he would have agreed with me,” he mentioned.
Michael Nussbaum, a Queens member of the Jewish Neighborhood Relations Council, mentioned Mamdani ought to be consulting with a cross-section of Jewish New Yorkers, not simply “one section” — the ultra-orthodox neighborhood.
Mamdani’s workplace had no fast remark.
