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Mayor Defends Hosting Controversial Anti-Israel Activist Amid Backlash

3/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced backlash after hosting anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil at Gracie Mansion.
Mamdani defended the invitation as a matter of free speech.
Critics, including pro-Israel advocates and the White House, condemned Khalil as pro-Hamas and for justifying October 7 Hamas attacks.
The Anti-Defamation League criticized Mamdani for legitimizing hate, saying public office should not endorse such views.

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Story summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced backlash after hosting anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil at Gracie Mansion.
Mamdani defended the invitation as a matter of free speech.
Critics, including pro-Israel advocates and the White House, condemned Khalil as pro-Hamas and for justifying October 7 Hamas attacks.
The Anti-Defamation League criticized Mamdani for legitimizing hate, saying public office should not endorse such views.