Overview
- In a speech at Yeshiva University’s 101st Hanukkah Dinner, President Isaac Herzog said Zohran Mamdani “makes no effort to conceal his contempt for the Jewish democratic State of Israel.”
- Herzog cited the disruption of an aliyah event outside Park East Synagogue and criticized what he described as Mamdani’s suggestion that Jews considering aliyah were violating international law.
- He called on the Jewish community to “fight back” using legal action, advocacy, education, leadership, civic engagement, media and social networks.
- Herzog said all but one Israeli hostage have returned, named the remaining captive as Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili, and credited President Donald J. Trump with helping secure releases.
- The remarks, delivered as Herzog received an honorary doctorate, were widely reported across Jewish and Israeli outlets and added to growing public criticism of the incoming mayor.