By Assemblyman Michael Novakhov

Today, I call on the New York’s press corps to stop shielding Democratic leaders who have endorsed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor—a candidate whose record, socialism, and antisemitism pose a grave threat to the safety and dignity of New York City’s Jewish community.

We demand the press stop giving cover to Democratic elected officials like Brooklyn Democratic Party Leader Rodneyse Bichotte Harmeling, Congressional members Jerrold Nadler, Adriano Espaillat, and Nydia Velázquez—leaders who owe the public answers as to why they are endorsing a mayoral candidate who refuses to denounce the phrase “Globalize the Intifada.” That slogan isn’t symbolic—it is a direct call to violence. To Holocaust survivors and the broader Jewish community, it is a chilling echo of pogroms, terror attacks, and the worst chapters in Jewish history.

New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Yet these Democratic leaders are backing a candidate who refuses to affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state—and who was arrested outside Senator Chuck Schumer’s Brooklyn home just days after 1,400 Israelis, including infants and entire families, were slaughtered by Hamas on October 7. That was not a protest for peace—it was a protest against Israel defending itself.

The press must ask Mamdani: What message was he sending by getting arrested protesting Israel’s right to defend itself, just days after the Hamas massacre—while Jewish blood still stained the ground in Israel? And why haven’t Democratic leaders who endorsed him been questioned about their values or their respect for Jewish life and safety? How can they justify standing by a man who chose to protest Israel’s right to defend itself—just hours after Jewish families were butchered in their homes?

Holocaust Survivor Fears Antisemitic Mayor

I want Democratic leaders like Congressman Jerrold Nadler who have endorse Mamdani, to sit down with my neighbor, Doro Roth — a Holocaust survivor who fled the Soviet Union to escape antisemitism and socialism. For 45 years, she has cherished the opportunities and freedoms America has given her. Today, she fears once again living under an antisemitic socialist mayor, in a city she once felt was her safe haven.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler—who once attended Hebrew school in Borough Park and claims to represent Jewish values—must answer for leading Jews for Zohran, a group reportedly funded by anti-Israel organizations, some backed by George Soros and groups linked to foreign interest’s hostile to Israel. Why is Nadler standing behind a candidate who uses terms like “genocide” and “apartheid” to describe the Jewish state—rhetoric condemned by fellow Democrats, including Assemblyman Sam Berger, as false, inflammatory, and dangerous?

If Congressman Nadler and Brooklyn Democratic Party leader Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn claim they oppose BDS, then why are they supporting a candidate who has actively led pro-BDS protests—like those at Columbia University? This is a dangerous double standard. The press must hold Nadler and Bichotte Hermelyn accountable.

Let us be clear: Enough is enough. The Jewish community will not remain silent as antisemitism becomes normalized under the banner of progressive politics. Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy—and the silence of those who endorse him and the silence of elected officials who don’t commend him—is an insult to the memory of the Holocaust, to victims of terrorism, and to every New Yorker who believes in tolerance, security, and truth.

If the media won’t confront these leaders who hid and demand answers, we will. I, and many in my community, came to this country to escape antisemitism. We will not watch it take root here. Not now. Not ever.

There is also a disturbing political hypocrisy at play. In 2021, State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs refused to endorse the socialist nominee for Buffalo mayor. Yet today, according to the NY Times Jacobs has alarmed Jewish leaders by showing a willingness to work with Mamdani—a self-identified socialist who has alarmed Jewish communities across the state—seeks to become mayor of New York City. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul, who has styled herself as New York’s “therapist-in-chief,” downplays the gravity of this moment by telling the public, “We’re going to be okay.”

We don’t need therapy—we need leadership against an antisemitic candidate.

That is why today, I am formally calling on both Chairman Jacobs and Governor Hochul to take immediate action: Revoke Zohran Mamdani’s membership in the Democratic Party.

Under New York Election Law Article 2 (§2-112, §2-114, §2-122), political parties have clear authority to govern their internal affairs, including the discipline and removal of members. This is not a free speech issue—this is hate speech. The Democratic Party has a responsibility to reject candidates whose actions and words fan the flames of antisemitism and incite hatred.

Antisemitism has no place in New York politics.

Not in our schools.

Not in our streets.

And not in City Hall.

I urge Democratic leaders and members of the media alike: Do your duty. Ask the hard questions. Confront the uncomfortable truths. The Jewish community is watching—and history is taking notes.

Michael Novakhov is a NYS Assemblyman in the 45^th district, including the neighborhoods of Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Gravesend, Manhattan, and Brighton Beach.