Protesters Accuse NYC Mayor Mamdani of Genocide During Vigil for Oct 7 Attacks

<p>A group of anti-Israel protesters targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on October 7, 2026, during a vigil marking the anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel. The protesters, numbering over 100, marched from City Hall to Union Square, where they expressed their grievances against Mamdani, calling him a "traitor" and accusing him of "genocide."</p><p>The vigil was organized to mourn those killed in the October 7 attacks and the subsequent violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians. The protesters were situated outside the barricades of the Israelis for Peace Vigil, where they attempted to disrupt the event.</p><p>Mamdani attended the vigil and held a candle while facing insults from the crowd, which included accusations of genocide and claims that he was "selling all your people out." Protesters shouted, "Zohran, what do you say? How many kids did you kill today?" and "700,000 dead. Mamdani, your hands are red!"</p><p>They also chanted, "Traitor, traitor, come on out! You sold all your people out!" and "Zohran, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide!" Some protesters criticized Mamdani for allegedly using his identity for political gain, stating, "You cannot weaponize being brown anymore. Identity politics can only get you so far."</p><p>One protester claimed to be a former intern for Mamdani, asserting that he "was never working for the people." The demonstrators demanded that Mamdani take action against New York real estate events that promote properties in Israeli settlements, which they view as "stolen" Palestinian land.</p><p>The protesters also called for the abolition of the City University of New York's Board of Trustees, accusing it of ignoring demands to divest from investments linked to Israel and mishandling anti-Israel demonstrations on campus.</p><p>Despite the accusations from protesters, Mamdani has been a critic of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and has condemned its treatment of Palestinians following the 2023 attack. In a statement on the same day, he referred to Hamas’ attack as a "horrific war crime" while also describing Israel’s military operations as genocide, stating that they have resulted in the deaths of over 74,000 Palestinians, including more than 21,000 children.</p><p>Israel has denied the allegations of genocide, asserting that its military targets Hamas and other terrorist groups while attempting to minimize civilian casualties. Mamdani's statements have drawn bipartisan criticism, with Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., labeling them "egregious and insulting," emphasizing that the day should focus on the victims of the terror attack rather than assigning blame.</p>