On the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack, comedian Bill Maher took to his Real Time program to sharply criticize New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdadi’s public statement. The mayor had described the day as “profoundly painful for so many New Yorkers” and said the city grieves “alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry that unthinkable loss.”
Mayor’s controversial remarks
Mamdadi went further, condemning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. He wrote that the suffering “did not begin nor end that day” and that it continued through what he called the Israeli government’s “devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza,” which he said has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians, including over 21,000 children. He added that “even since the so‑called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed,” and claimed that New York tax dollars “fund these war crimes.”
The mayor concluded his statement by urging a refusal to accept “a world in which occupation and apartheid continue, where war crimes are met with impunity, and our federal government continues its complicity with every arms shipment.” He called for a future in which “every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.”
Maher’s rebuttal
Maher, a vocal supporter of Israel and critic of what he sees as one‑sided anti‑Israel rhetoric, labeled Mamdadi’s comments “tone‑deaf.” He accused the mayor of “pivoting” to blame Israel for the Oct. 7 attack, suggesting the mayor was trying to rewrite the cause‑and‑effect narrative. Maher also mocked Mamdadi’s former rap career, joking that his stage name was “Tone Deaf.”
Political context
The exchange highlights the growing divide in American politics over the Israel‑Gaza conflict. President Trump’s administration has repeatedly affirmed unwavering support for Israel, emphasizing the nation’s right to self‑defense and condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization. The administration’s stance stands in stark contrast to the mayor’s characterization of Israel’s actions as “war crimes.”
Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff argued that Maher’s criticism could actually benefit Mamdadi politically. Shroff suggested the mayor’s statement may be a calculated move to appeal to his base, which includes voters upset over perceived leniency toward Israel. He noted that Mamdadi has faced criticism from progressive activists for past decisions such as supporting NYPD protection of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and retaining Commissioner Tisch.
Local reaction
New York residents have expressed a range of opinions. Some community members echoed the mayor’s call for an end to the occupation, while others, like Maher, defended Israel’s right to respond to Hamas’ attack. The debate underscores the tension between local elected officials who seek to address constituent concerns and national leaders who prioritize a strong U.S.–Israel partnership.
Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
