Conservative influencer and sports reporter Emily Austin has declined an invitation from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to co-host a FIFA World Cup event. Austin, known for her pro-Israel stance, revealed that the mayor’s office reached out to her podcast’s Instagram account, ‘The Emily Austin Show,’ to discuss a potential collaboration.

Concerns Over Political Stance

Austin consulted with mentors before making her decision. While one mentor supported the idea, another advised against it, suggesting it could falsely appear as an olive branch to the Jewish community. Austin expressed that she would have considered the opportunity if she believed it could lead to a meaningful dialogue with Mamdani about Israel. However, she felt that Mamdani showed no remorse for past statements that hurt her community.

In response to Austin’s claims, Deputy Press Secretary for Mayor Mamdani, Sam Raskin, stated, ‘Mayor Mamdani is the mayor of all New Yorkers, regardless of their views, and we will always engage with people across the political spectrum.’

Community Divisions

Austin voiced her frustration with the divisions she perceives in New York City, contrasting it with her experiences in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where she observes more coexistence. She emphasized that the tension is more political than religious.

Speaking at the Manhattan Jewish Experience’s 27th annual dinner, where she received the Social Impact Leadership Award, Austin highlighted the importance of being recognized by those she advocates for. Rabbi Mark Wildes, founder of MJE, noted the unease among Jewish New Yorkers amid rising antisemitism and Mamdani’s perceived lack of representation for the Jewish community.

Austin concluded that she does not see genuine efforts from Mamdani to improve relations with New York City’s Jewish residents, lamenting the divisions within what she considers the greatest city in the world.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.