Criticism cannot become erasure: A letter to Mamdani on his condemnation of Netanyahu – opinion

Dov Bleich, an Orthodox Jewish New York businessman, penned an open letter to Mayor Mamdani, criticizing his recent video condemning Benjamin Netanyahu. While acknowledging his own concerns about Netanyahu's leadership and Israel's actions in Gaza, Bleich expressed deep hurt over Mamdani's characterization of Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and "architect of a horrific genocide," and his call for the ICC to execute a warrant against him.

"What hurt me was not that you criticized Netanyahu... Millions of Israelis oppose Netanyahu... They still love their country. Their criticism does not cancel their belonging."

Bleich argued that Mamdani's condemnation lacked recognition of Israeli humanity, omitting references to October 7, Hamas, or the hostages. He emphasized that Israel is deeply embedded in Jewish history and identity, asserting that "Netanyahu is not Israel. No prime minister is." Bleich urged Mamdani to criticize Netanyahu without flattening Israel into its prime minister or asking Jews to "amputate Israel from our identity" to have their pain recognized, advocating for the acknowledgment of both Palestinian and Israeli humanity.