Zohran Mamdani's obsession with Israel is failing New York – opinion

This opinion piece criticizes New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his perceived obsession with criticizing Israel, arguing it detracts from his mayoral duties and fuels antisemitism. The author contends that Mamdani prioritizes "Israel-bashing" over local issues, citing a 71% increase in antisemitic hate crimes in New York during his first six months, with Jews being victims in 60% of city hate crimes. The article highlights Mamdani's statements, such as accusing Israel of "genocide" and threatening to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the legal and diplomatic implications. The author, an American presidential historian, suggests that such anti-Zionist rhetoric, which he equates with antisemitism, is becoming a problematic litmus test within the Democratic party and calls for American Jews to take a stand against it.