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Mamdani Confronted in Viral Foley Square Video as UNRWA Fundraiser and Synagogue Visit Draw New Backlash

The campaign’s IsraelGaza posture now defines the race, prompting protests even at a Brooklyn synagogue event.

Overview

  • Video from Friday shows security escorting Zohran Mamdani through Manhattan’s Foley Square as a protester shouted “antisemite” and demanded he denounce Hezbollah and Sharia law, with a brief shoving incident involving a staffer.
  • The confrontation occurred after Mamdani spoke in support of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who faces a mortgage fraud indictment tied to a Virginia property.
  • On the Oct. 7 anniversary, Mamdani mourned Israeli victims and called Israel’s military campaign a “genocidal war,” prompting the Israeli Foreign Ministry to accuse him of amplifying Hamas propaganda.
  • On Sunday, Mamdani ran the NYC Gaza 5K to raise money for UNRWA, drawing fresh criticism from figures including Rep. Elise Stefanik, who cited investigations linking some UNRWA employees to the Oct. 7 attacks.
  • Later Sunday, he addressed Brooklyn’s Congregation Beth Elohim in an outreach effort that drew pro-Israel protesters outside and produced mixed reactions from attendees, according to the synagogue’s leaders and congregants.