Bill Maher Critiques Mayor Mamdani's Statement on October 7 Anniversary

<p>Comedian Bill Maher criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his statement marking the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Maher addressed Mamdani's remarks during the Friday episode of "Real Time," where the mayor described the day as "profoundly painful for so many New Yorkers" and expressed grief for those affected by the attack.</p><p>Mamdani condemned the ongoing actions of the Israeli government, stating, "The suffering did not begin nor end that day. It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza, in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians—including more than 21,000 children." He also noted that since the ceasefire, over 1,400 Palestinians have been killed and emphasized the need to fight against occupation and apartheid.</p><p>Maher responded to Mamdani's comments, suggesting that the mayor's pivot to criticizing Israel was inappropriate. He remarked, "Mayor Mamdani, not all that sympathetic to this stuff, but he did make some nice remarks about it. But then he pivoted right to, ‘but Israel made them do it.’" Maher also referenced Mamdani's previous career as a rapper, joking about his stage name.</p><p>Mamdani faced additional scrutiny after dining at Ayat Hinds Hall, a Palestinian restaurant previously criticized for its menu language. Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff suggested that Maher’s criticism could politically benefit Mamdani by reinforcing his support among his base.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani administration for comment but did not receive an immediate response.</p>