Just 2 Jew Haters
Zohran Mamdani Lights Hanukkah Candles with Mandy Patinkin | WATCH
A video shared by New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani depicting him celebrating Hanukkah with actor Mandy Patinkin and his family has sparked discussions about irony, given the holiday's historical themes and the public stances of both men on issues related to Israel and antisemitism.
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.
The irony is not lost on us though. It lies in this juxtaposition: Hanukkah is a holiday honoring Jewish warriors who reclaimed their temple and independence from oppressors, now celebrated by Mamdani and Patinkin whose public advocacy undermines contemporary Jewish self-determination and safety. Indeed, Mamdani, who led a campaign filled with antisemitism, vicious anti-Jewish and anti-Israel rhetoric, lighting Hanukkah candles with self-hating Jew, Mandy Patinkin, who has spent two long years bashing Israel is absolutely bizarre.
They can light Hanukkah candles until their last day and laugh while making latkes, but we know the truth.