New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met on Saturday with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah as part of their global book tour promoting reconciliation efforts. The meeting took place privately at City Hall, where the activists presented Mamdani with a copy of their New York Times bestselling book, *The Future is Peace*, which chronicles their joint peacebuilding journey through Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Abu Sarah and Inon have collaborated on peace initiatives since October 7, following significant personal tragedies linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Abu Sarah’s brother died from wounds sustained during torture by Israeli soldiers while detained in a military prison during the first intifada, during which Abu Sarah himself was imprisoned for nearly a year. Inon’s parents were victims of the Hamas massacre in Netiv Ha’asara near the Gaza border.

The mayor’s office highlighted that the discussion centered on combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab hate, and emphasized the importance of advancing peace, dignity, human rights, and safety for all communities. Mamdani was joined by Ana Mari Archila, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, and Phylisa Wisdom, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism.

Wisdom characterized Abu Sarah and Inon as crucial partners who “understand firsthand how events abroad can affect communities here in New York City,” praising them as influential voices for peace who actively oppose all forms of bigotry. Archila noted that the activists have transformed personal loss into “a courageous vision for peace,” demonstrating how grassroots diplomacy can bridge deep divisions more effectively than governmental efforts.

This meeting followed the recent Israel Day Parade on May 31, an event that attracted controversy due to the participation of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other far-right Israeli ministers. Mamdani notably declined to participate in the parade, becoming the first New York mayor in six decades to do so, and publicly condemned the ministers’ involvement, calling it offensive.

When asked about engaging with Israeli and Palestinian leaders or activists in the future, Mamdani expressed openness, stating he had “been happy to meet with Israelis and Palestinians in the past” and would “absolutely consider doing so” again.

In a related event, Mamdani recently spoke at T’ruah’s annual Celebration of Human Rights gala, hosted by the progressive rabbinical organization, where he commended the group and its award recipients.

Following the City Hall meeting, Abu Sarah and Inon issued a joint statement highlighting New York City as a “symbol of diversity and political imagination,” noting that Mamdani’s election as the city’s first Muslim mayor exemplifies that reality.