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Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Hanukkah Video Sparks Controversy

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Zohran Mamdani, NYC's mayor-elect, appeared in a staged Hanukkah video with actor Mandy Patinkin and his family, cooking latkes, praying, and lighting candles.
The clip drew mixed reactions; some praised it, others called it forced, with a commenter saying, "Man, he will do anything to make New Yorkers think he supports the Jewish community."
Mamdani's pro-Palestine stance has led to a polarizing relationship with the Jewish community.

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Story summary

Zohran Mamdani, NYC's mayor-elect, appeared in a staged Hanukkah video with actor Mandy Patinkin and his family, cooking latkes, praying, and lighting candles.
The clip drew mixed reactions; some praised it, others called it forced, with a commenter saying, "Man, he will do anything to make New Yorkers think he supports the Jewish community."
Mamdani's pro-Palestine stance has led to a polarizing relationship with the Jewish community.