New York Mayor Mamdani will not join protests against Netanyahu — Jerusalem Post
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not plan to join demonstrations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to the city for the week of the UN General Assembly. The Jerusalem Post reports.
Security during General Assembly week
Mamdani told reporters that he does not intend to attend protests during the UN General Assembly period. According to him, he had been in contact with the New York Police Department ahead of that week.
The mayor said that he is currently unaware of any expected threats. He also expressed confidence in the city authorities’ ability to ensure the safety of New York residents.
Mamdani emphasized that he had not called on city residents to take part in rallies against Netanyahu. At the same time, he noted that New Yorkers have the right to protest, which the city respects in accordance with the US Constitution and the First Amendment.
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Position on Netanyahu’s visit
Answering a question about his refusal to participate in demonstrations despite his previous sharp criticism of Netanyahu, Mamdani said that he had already clearly expressed his views and assessments. According to him, during the General Assembly, his priority is New York’s readiness to receive representatives from around the world and guarantee the safety of city residents.
He added that the city must take into account both the global events that will take place in New York and the everyday needs of its residents, including the traffic situation.
During his election campaign and after taking office, Mamdani examined whether the city had the authority to execute an arrest warrant for Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court. In July, he said that a legal review had concluded that New York does not have such authority, although the mayor continues to believe that the federal government should act on this issue.
Mamdani also commented on a prayer vigil planned by students of the Ramaz Jewish school and other Jewish schools near his official residence, Gracie Mansion, in support of Israel and Netanyahu. He said he welcomes the participants’ right to hold a prayer vigil or a protest, but suggested that he would be in another part of the city at that time.
