New York, NY — Betsy Berns Korn, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“Today marks three years since the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. It should have been a day devoted to remembering the 1,200 innocent people murdered by Hamas, honoring the sacrifices of Israel’s fallen soldiers and their families, and reaffirming our shared commitment to confronting terrorism and antisemitism.
“Instead, Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose this solemn day to advance his familiar attacks on the Jewish state. There is a time for debate over Middle East policy. The anniversary of the October 7 massacre is not that time. Exploiting a day of profound grief to accuse Israel of genocide dishonors the memory of those who were murdered, deepens the pain of survivors and hostage families, and further alienates Jewish New Yorkers at a moment that should unite us in remembrance.
“New York City is home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel. Jewish New Yorkers deserved a mayor who could set politics aside for one day to mourn with them. Instead, Mayor Mamdani redirected the world’s attention from Hamas’ atrocities to his own ideological agenda.
“A leader should know the difference between a day of mourning and a day for politics. Mayor Mamdani did not. On the third anniversary of October 7, the victims should have been the focus. Mayor Mamdani chose to make Israel the focus instead. That choice speaks for itself.”
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The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the recognized central coordinating body representing 50 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the positions of all member organizations.
