“Return to Zion and connection to Israel have been a cornerstone of the Jewish faith for thousands of years. Taking away the legitimacy of this right encourages violence and threatens religious freedom,” Herzog said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog harshly criticized New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, saying comments he made during a speech at Yeshiva University in New York City were “outrageous” and harmful to the Jewish community.
Herzog said the mayor-elect’s rhetoric questioning the right of Jews to immigrate to Israel and participate in traditional Zionist activities not only delegitimizes the Jewish people’s ancient homeland but “legitimizes violence and undermines religious freedom.” He called the rhetoric anti-Semitic and anti-American.
Herzog, who received an honorary doctorate, describes a climate in which Holocaust inversion, conspiracy theories and new forms of Jew-hatred proliferate online and in public discourse.
He noted that while public vilification has become socially unacceptable, targeting Jews under the guise of anti-Zionism is becoming increasingly common. “In America, Jews used to be called ‘Jews,’ and Zionists are now called ‘Zios,'” Herzog said.
“Two weeks ago we saw a return to [immigration] “The event at a prominent synagogue in Manhattan was mobbed and harassed,” Herzog said, referring to a group of anti-Israel protesters who disrupted the event.
New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani against the backdrop of pro-Palestinian protesters. (Illustration) (Source: REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado, Shutterstock/Here Now)
“The incoming mayor responded by advising Jews to consider fulfilling their obligations [aliyah] violated international law. In the face of such hatred, we must fight back violently and without fear. “
“Returning to Zion and connecting to Israel has been a cornerstone of Jewish faith and tradition for thousands of years. Delegitimizing this right encourages violence and threatens religious freedom,” Herzog said.
The Trauma and Consequences of Anti-Semitism on October 7
Herzog also spoke of Israel’s national trauma after the Oct. 7 massacre, noting that all but one of the hostages held by Hamas have returned home. He called for the immediate release of Police Chief Ran Gweli and praised the heroism of Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Herzog recalled the more than 1,500 bereavement visits conducted during the conflict and highlighted the recovery of the body of New York native Captain Omar Neutra, praising his family as a “hero family.”
Speaking of international support, Herzog praised the United States and President Donald J. Trump for helping to free the hostages and outlined a postwar vision for the region. He said Trump’s plan was aimed at deterring Hamas and other adversaries while promoting new dialogue with Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Herzog concluded with a call for resilience, urging the Jewish community to stand firm against hatred and maintain solidarity with Israel. “Our people have been through hell and back, but we are still here and we will overcome it,” he said.
