Former New York mayor secretly honoured Israeli soldiers amid Gaza genocide

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams secretly hosted and honored active-duty Israeli soldiers at City Hall in April 2024, during Israel's military operation in Gaza. This meeting was reportedly concealed from the public, with staff instructed not to share details or photos, as revealed in a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by former Palestinian-American City Hall aide Hasibe Rashid. Rashid alleges she was denied a promotion and forced out due to her Palestinian background and efforts to acknowledge Palestinian suffering, claiming Adams imposed an "anti-Gaza edict." The lawsuit, filed in May 2026, seeks reinstatement, back pay, legal costs, and over $1 million in damages. Adams's actions align with his consistent support for Israel, including a 2023 trip to examine Israeli police tactics and his administration's stance against pro-Palestinian demonstrations.