New York City Mayor Mamdani has faced criticism for remarks made during a campaign rally on June 18, in which he described the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its supporters as “monsters.” The comments, delivered at an event featuring Senator Bernie Sanders and various progressive candidates ahead of the upcoming primary elections, have sparked accusations that the mayor’s rhetoric fuels antisemitism and incites violence against Jewish communities.

At the Brooklyn Kings Theatre rally, Mamdani accused AIPAC of deploying “millions in dark money” to influence political outcomes and alleged that the organization seeks to suppress democracy in favor of maintaining power. “In AIPAC, for whom the only thing more frightening than democracy being allowed to run its course is an end to genocide and Netanyahu’s wars,” Mamdani stated, further condemning the group for what he described as efforts to divide Americans against one another.

The mayor’s statements drew swift rebuke from Jewish leaders and advocacy groups. Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, senior rabbi of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, characterized Mamdani’s remarks as incendiary and dangerous. Steinmetz said the language employed by the mayor echoes the mindset that inspired Elias Rodriguez, the individual charged with killing two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, D.C., in May 2025. He warned that such rhetoric could embolden violent actors targeting AIPAC and its supporters, cautioning that it “pours fuel on the fire” amid an already fragile climate regarding antisemitism in New York.

Jim Berk, CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization, also condemned the mayor’s statements, describing them as “abhorrent and bigoted.” Berk drew parallels between Mamdani’s critique of AIPAC and historical antisemitic campaigns that accused Jewish organizations of pursuing influence for selfish ends rather than legitimate political objectives. He emphasized that while many advocacy groups engage in lobbying and political support, singling out Jewish organizations as uniquely manipulative revives longstanding prejudices in a contemporary guise.

The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions surrounding Israel and increasing criticism of Israeli policies within segments of the Democratic Party. Mamdani, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, has been an outspoken opponent of Israel, endorsing the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement. Last year, he pledged to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, and has repeatedly accused Israel’s military of committing “genocidal war” in Gaza.

Efforts to obtain a response from Mayor Mamdani regarding the controversy have not yet been successful. The ongoing debate highlights the deep divisions in New York’s political and social landscape, as well as concerns about the impact of political discourse on community relations and public safety.