US Civil Rights Chief Slams NYC Mayor-Elect As ‘Antisemitic Demagogue’

Harmeet Dhillon, the United States Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, delivered sharp criticism of New York’s incoming mayor at the Israel Hayom conference in New York, accusing him of enabling a surge in antisemitism across the city.

Dhillon declared that “The mayor-elect of New York Zohran Mamdani is an ‘antisemitic demagogue.’ That’s a fact,” citing rising hate crimes, assaults, and limits on access to synagogues.

She said federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI, are conducting active investigations into attacks on Jewish communities in New York, New Jersey, and other states. “When we find it, we protect Jews,” Dhillon added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcement and safeguarding targeted communities.

Her remarks come as major US cities report escalating antisemitic incidents. Dhillon stressed that combating hate requires rigorous oversight and swift federal action, with Washington stepping in where local leadership fails to keep vulnerable communities safe.

Mamdani has faced heavy criticism after last month’s antisemitic protest outside the Park East Synagogue, where demonstrators called for violence against Jews.

Responding to the backlash, Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec told reporters that the Mayor-elect “discouraged the language used at last night’s protest and will continue to do so.” She then faulted the synagogue for hosting a Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah event, saying, “He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation, and that these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law.”

Pekec’s comments drew swift condemnation, with critics accusing her of blaming victims and falsely asserting that moving to Israel or exploring aliyah is illegal.