Beyond Belief: Mamdani Condemns Sydney Attack But Calls Terrorists "Men With Long Guns"

Mamdani’s Condemnation and Vows

Zohran Mamdani issued a statement condemning the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, which claimed the life of Chabad emissary Rabbi Eli Schlanger and other victims. Mamdani described the event as “a vile act of antisemitic terror,” expressing sorrow that the Jewish world had been plunged into grief again.

Mamdani stated that the attack reflects a growing global pattern of violence against Jews that leaves many fearful to practice their faith openly. In a bid to appear righteous and appeal to his voters, he pledged that when he is Major he will work daily to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe “on our streets, our subways, at shul,” calling on all New Yorkers to confront antisemitism with urgency and action.

However, many in the Jewish community immediately dismissed his statement as hypocritical, given his documented history of anti-Israel rhetoric and failure to keep Jews safe from antisemitism in his own city.

Failing to Name the Terror

The Williamsburg Jewish Community Council (WJCC) quickly and forcefully denounced Mamdani’s statement, focusing its anger on his choice of words when referring to the terrorists who committed the massacre at a Hanukkah event.

The controversy centers on Mamdani’s failure to call the perpetrators the bloodthirsty terrorists they are, instead referring to the subhuman animalistic murderers as merely “men with long guns.” The WJCC found this euphemism to be disgusting, arguing that Mamdani’s nasty anti-Israel and anti-Jewish side revealed itself in his refusal to call the perpetrators for the Islamists who want nothing more than to slaughter Jews in a country that allows them to do so.

The WJCC publicly condemned Mamdani’s statement, especially given his past behavior, including his history of chanting "Globalize the Intifada" for years, a phrase that advocates for terrorism. The Council called his choice of words a "despicable statement from a despicable antisemite."

Communal Backlash and Division

The WJCC’s anger was also directed at certain community figures for appearing to embrace Mamdani despite his history. The organization singled out "Rabbi" Moshe Indig of the Williamsburg Jewish Community Council, stating that for him to call Mamdani’s statement “the right words in the right time” is an act of disgrace.

The WJCC accused the Satmar community of stopping at nothing to stoop to new lows and kiss up to a raging antisemite. This public feud highlights the deep divisions and intense communal backlash against any politician seen as trying to capitalize on a tragedy while simultaneously failing to properly categorize the crime or the criminals involved. The outrage stems from the perception that Mamdani, a known antisemite who stands for Hamas terrorists and terrorism, is merely attempting to appear righteous to his voters without genuinely addressing his own history or the core issue of anti-Jewish hatred. Refusing to call these barbaric terrorists who slaughtered 12 people in cold blood for what they are is extreemly concerning coming from the upcoming NYC Major.