‘Shouldn’t Take 24 Hours’: Allies Slam Zohran Mamdani Over Delayed Response To NYC Pro-Hamas Rally

Last Updated:January 13, 2026, 01:35 IST

Criticism mounted after Mamdani waited nearly a day to respond to a protest that forced schools and a synagogue to shut early.

The backlash comes after Mamdani spoke out nearly a day after protesters chanted pro-Hamas slogans in Queens. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and Jewish leaders over what they say was a delayed response to a pro-Hamas protest in Queens last week, with allies arguing it should not have taken nearly 24 hours for the city’s top official to condemn chants backing the militant group.

Democratic state Assemblymember Sam Berger, who represents the district where the protest took place, said the delay was deeply concerning. “It’s a step up from his statement [after the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel], which failed to even mention Hamas," Berger was quoted as saying by the Jewish Insider.

“Still, it’s concerning that it takes the mayor of the city with the largest population of Jews outside of Israel nearly 24 hours to condemn blatant antisemitism when every other major elected in New York found the time."

Another Queens assemblymember, Nily Rozic, echoed that criticism while speaking to the outlet. “It shouldn’t take the mayor [nearly] 24 hours to condemn an antisemitic protest layered in antisemitism, let alone one that openly supports terror organizations," she said, adding that issuing a statement just after Shabbat began meant many affected residents would not see it until much later.

Concern also came from within Mamdani’s own support base. Adam Carlson, a founding partner at Zenith Polls and a vocal supporter of the mayor, wrote on X that he had waited all day for a forceful condemnation. “This is not only hurtful to me, but it’s bad politics & distracts from his agenda," Carlson said.

Mamdani initially remained silent through Thursday night and much of Friday as questions mounted over the demonstration, which prompted nearby schools and the Modern Orthodox synagogue Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills to close early as a precaution. He first addressed the issue late Friday afternoon when asked by a reporter about protesters chanting “We support Hamas." “That language is wrong," Mamdani said. “I think that language has no place in New York City."

He later issued a fuller statement just after Shabbat began, saying, “As I made clear, the rhetoric and displays that we saw and heard in Kew Gardens Hills last night are wrong and have no place in our city." He added that his team was in close contact with the New York Police Department and would continue to ensure the safety of people entering and exiting houses of worship while protecting the constitutional right to protest.

By contrast, several senior Democratic leaders condemned the protest quickly and directly. Governor Kathy Hochul, who endorsed Mamdani in the mayoral election, said, “Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the genocide of Jews. No matter your political beliefs, this type of rhetoric is disgusting, it’s dangerous, and it has no place in New York." Attorney General Letitia James said, “Hamas is a terrorist organization. We do not support terrorists. Period." Others who issued swift condemnations included City Comptroller Mark Levine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Grace Meng and Ritchie Torres.

The protest, organised by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation–Awda, took place on a residential street about half a block from the synagogue and was aimed at an event hosted by CapitIL, a Jerusalem-based real estate firm. Protesters waved keffiyehs and chanted slogans including “There is only one solution, intifada revolution," “Globalize the intifada," and “Death to the IDF" for more than two hours, according to videos and flyers reviewed by Jewish Insider.

News world ‘Shouldn’t Take 24 Hours’: Allies Slam Zohran Mamdani Over Delayed Response To NYC Pro-Hamas Rally

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