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NYC's Muslim Mayor Defends AIPAC Slur, Faces Israeli Condemnation

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Consul General Ofir Akunis condemned Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s labeling of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as “monsters,” comparing it to Nazi Germany in the United States.
Mamdani defended comment at a rally, saying AIPAC moves money to preserve power.
Mamdani won the mayoral race with over 50% of the vote, becoming NYC’s first Muslim mayor and earning 33% of Jewish votes.
Akunis warned that anti-Semitism mirrors pre-World War II trends.

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Story summary

Consul General Ofir Akunis condemned Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s labeling of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as “monsters,” comparing it to Nazi Germany in the United States.
Mamdani defended comment at a rally, saying AIPAC moves money to preserve power.
Mamdani won the mayoral race with over 50% of the vote, becoming NYC’s first Muslim mayor and earning 33% of Jewish votes.
Akunis warned that anti-Semitism mirrors pre-World War II trends.