New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani posted a video on social media Saturday showing him celebrating Hanukkah with acclaimed actor Mandy Patinkin, his wife Kathryn Grody, and their son Gideon, ahead of the holiday's seventh night.
In the three-minute clip, filmed earlier during the first night of Hanukkah, Mamdani is seen preparing and frying latkes using a family recipe, participating in Hebrew blessings, and lighting the menorah alongside the Patinkin family. Patinkin warmly welcomes Mamdani, joking about his arrival and later remarking that the mayor-elect's tenure has been "blessed."
Accompanying the video on X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani wrote: "It was such a joy to celebrate Hanukkah with Mandy, Kathryn and their son, Gideon. As Jewish New Yorkers across our city prepare to light candles and mark the seventh night today, I wish you and your families a Hanukkah full of light and love."
The post, which has garnered significant attention, comes as Mamdani continues outreach to Jewish communities following his election. Some outlets described the video as staged, while others highlighted it as a moment of warmth and unity during the Festival of Lights.
Patinkin, known for roles in "The Princess Bride" and "Homeland," and Grody have been vocal on various political issues. The celebration has drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising the interfaith gesture and others viewing it through the lens of Mamdani's past anti-Zionist positions.
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple, began on December 14 this year and concludes on December 22.
