More than 700 rabbis from across the United States have signed an open letter calling on Mayor Mamdani to apologize for remarks he made about the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The mayor had described the lobbying group as “monsters” who allegedly wield influence through “millions in dark money” to maintain their political power.

The letter, organized by the pro-Zionism group the Jewish Majority, expressed concern that Mamdani’s language constitutes dehumanization. It argued that targeting political opponents with such terms is harmful in any context but noted that when the subjects are largely associated with the Jewish community, the impact can be particularly dangerous.

“Using the language of ‘monsters’ against political opponents is an act of dehumanization,” the letter stated, emphasizing the heightened risks of employing such rhetoric against Jewish individuals and organizations. The rabbis called for a formal apology from the mayor, urging him to retract his statements and address the ensuing tensions.

Mayor Mamdani’s comments, made earlier this month, were criticized by the letter’s signatories for perpetuating negative stereotypes and potentially stoking animosity. The group highlighted the need for respectful discourse in political debate, particularly concerning sensitive topics involving ethnicity and religion.

Mamdani has yet to respond publicly to the rabbis’ demand for an apology. The controversy adds to ongoing national conversations about political language, lobbying influence, and the boundaries of public criticism.