In a forceful response on X, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, denounced New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for what he described as an attempt to hijack the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught. Danon likened the mayor’s remarks to “turning September 11 into a day of mourning for al‑Qaeda terrorists,” emphasizing that the United States and its allies will not allow such revisionism.
Mayor’s Message Sparks Controversy
Mamdani’s post began by acknowledging the profound pain felt by many New Yorkers and noting that Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 people on Oct. 7, 2023. He then shifted focus to the ongoing war in Gaza, accusing Israel of “genocide” and citing a Palestinian death toll exceeding 74,000, including over 21,000 children. The mayor also alleged that Israel bombed ambulances, targeted residential buildings and journalists, and turned away food aid at border crossings.
Ambassador Danon’s Counter‑Argument
Danon rejected the mayor’s characterization, calling it “Mamdani‑ism” and asserting that the United Nations ambassador would not let the anniversary be turned into “another propaganda attack against Israel.” He reminded readers that Israel has warned civilians of impending attacks and has taken steps to minimize civilian casualties, contrary to the mayor’s claims of deliberate targeting.
“We will remember those who were murdered, and we will never forget who was behind this massacre,” Danon wrote, underscoring Israel’s right to self‑defense and the need to honor the victims without politicizing the tragedy.
Broad Support for Danon’s Position
Other prominent figures quickly echoed Danon’s condemnation. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called Mamdani’s framing “disgusting and shameful,” reaffirming support for the Jewish people and praying for the victims. Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley labeled the mayor’s comments as antisemitic, stressing that Israelis have every right to defend themselves.
Anti‑Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt added that New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, deserves a mayor who honors the dead without exploiting the day for anti‑Zionist talking points.
Context of the Oct. 7 Tragedy
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, killing roughly 1,200 civilians, committing sexual violence, mutilating bodies, and taking 251 hostages. The attack was livestreamed, shocking the world and prompting a decisive Israeli military response. The third anniversary has become a flashpoint for international debate over the conflict’s moral and strategic dimensions.
While the mayor’s post aimed to highlight humanitarian concerns in Gaza, Danon and his allies argue that such commentary must not obscure the fact that Hamas initiated the bloodshed and bears responsibility for the ongoing suffering.
Implications for U.S.–Israel Relations
Danon’s rebuke underscores the Trump administration’s continued commitment to a strong U.S.–Israel partnership. By publicly defending Israel’s right to self‑defense, the administration signals to both allies and adversaries that America will stand firm against attempts to rewrite the narrative of terror attacks.
As the anniversary passes, the debate over how to remember Oct. 7 is likely to persist, but the Trump administration’s stance remains clear: support for Israel’s security and a rejection of any language that equates the victims of terrorism with the perpetrators.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
