NYC Lawmaker Mamdani's 2023 NYPD-IDF Comparison Surfaces Amid Mayoral Race

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and New York state Assemblymember running for mayor, has faced significant controversy over past statements criticizing the NYPD and alleging a connection between the NYPD and Israel's military. In 2023, Mamdani claimed that "when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it is been laced by the IDF," linking local police violence to the Israel Defense Forces, a remark widely condemned as antisemitic and echoed from the "Deadly Exchange" campaign by Jewish Voice for Peace. Mamdani has since apologized both privately and publicly for his harsh criticism of police, stating his views have evolved since making those comments during the height of frustration in 2020 amid the George Floyd protests, and he pledged to work with law enforcement. Despite his past rhetoric, Mamdani remains a frontrunner in the mayoral race and retains notable support among Jewish voters, though many remain concerned about his inflammatory remarks. His campaign platform includes maintaining the NYPD's headcount while creating a Department of Community Safety focused on mental health responses, aiming to balance reform with public safety. The resurfacing of his statements has stirred debate in a city with a large Jewish population, highlighting tensions between his progressive policies and controversial past remarks.