Mamdani criticized by fellow Democrats for statement mourning Oct. 7 attacks while condemning Israel

October 7, 2026 / 8:30 PM EDT / CBS News

A statement by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani that recognized three years since Hamas' "horrific" attack on Israel — and extensively criticized Israel's "ongoing genocide" in the Gaza Strip — has drawn fury from some Democrats.

Mamdani is a longstanding and vehement critic of Israel's actions during its war with Hamas in Gaza, and an opponent of U.S. aid to Israel — issues that have divided Democrats nationwide and drawn criticism for the mayor from moderates, leaders of Jewish groups and Israeli officials. Mamdani has long defended his stance, saying criticism of Israel is distinct from antisemitism.

Wednesday's statement by Mamdani began by calling it a "profoundly painful" day for many New Yorkers, noting Hamas' "horrific war crimes" on Oct. 7, 2023, including the killing of about 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of more than 250 hostages. He added: "We grieve alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry that unthinkable loss."

The mayor then shifted to criticizing Israel for its "devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza" — noting the more than 74,000 deaths recorded in the enclave, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.

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Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/