NEW YORK — Hundreds of protesters gathered on Tuesday night near Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side to rally against Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The rally, organized by the grassroots group #EndJewHatred, featured speakers who accused the mayor of failing to protect the city's Jewish population and ignoring antisemitism. Notable speakers included former 'Big Time Rush' star James Maslow and Lawfare Project founder Brooke Goldstein.
During the rally, attendees chanted slogans such as 'remove Mamdani' and sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Protesters expressed concerns about Mamdani's perceived inaction regarding antisemitism, particularly in light of a surge in antisemitic incidents in New York City following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel.
Ari Ackerman, an entrepreneur and pro-Israel advocate, stated, 'This is not the New York City I knew and loved,' while criticizing the mayor's ideology. Rabbi Yaakov Menken of the Coalition for Jewish Values described Mamdani as embodying a modern form of antisemitism, citing his actions since taking office.
Some speakers emphasized that the rally was not solely about antisemitism but also about broader American values. Anila Ali, president of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, highlighted the importance of unity among different faiths against hate.
The protest coincided with Mamdani's decision not to attend the upcoming Israel Day Parade, a tradition for sitting mayors since 1964. Critics argue that his absence reflects a failure to address public safety and antisemitism in the city. Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's office for comment.