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EXCLUSIVE: Inna Vernikov, a Republican councilwoman in New York City, expressed concerns to Fox News Digital about voters in her predominantly Jewish district feeling fearful about the potential of socialist Zohran Mamdani becoming the city’s next mayor.
“This individual wants to globalize the intifada,” Vernikov shared with Fox News Digital. “This is unprecedented in New York City. With the largest Jewish population in America, Jewish residents are expressing their intention to leave the city. The Jewish community has made significant contributions to both the city and the country, and the fact that they now feel unsafe living here is unacceptable and unprecedented.”
Mamdani has faced criticism for his anti-Israel stance, dating back to his college years when he founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at his school. Recent scrutiny has been directed at Mamdani for his reluctance to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which he has since stated he will not use and will discourage others from using.
Mamdani’s father, Mahmood, has also come under fire for his past comments and writings, including a social media post cheering on a potential “third intifadah against settler colonialism” in Israel.
“The intifada incites violence, as seen in the tragic events during the previous intifadas where innocent lives were lost,” Vernikov remarked, highlighting the fears within the Jewish community if Mamdani were to become mayor.
Vernikov, who is Jewish herself, revealed that individuals in her district have expressed being “petrified” at the thought of Mamdani assuming the role of mayor.
Various Jewish organizations have strongly opposed Mamdani’s candidacy. Human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein previously stated to Fox News Digital that “Zohran Mamdani has built his political platform on the same radical, hate-filled, and anti-American ideology as his father, Mahmood Mamdani, which demonizes Jewish individuals and legitimizes anti-democratic violence.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani’s campaign for a response.
Vernikov criticized Democrats who have started endorsing Mamdani, suggesting that their support could pose challenges for the party if he wins in November. She also condemned the rationale that “he’s the Democratic nominee.”
“I have a question,” Vernikov posed to Fox News Digital. “If this Democratic nominee espoused KKK beliefs or called for the annihilation of the black community, would they still rally behind him as fervently as they are now? I believe the answer would be no. But when it concerns the Jewish community, it seems to be acceptable.”
“It’s hypocritical, unacceptable, and disgraceful. While Republicans actively combat antisemitism for the sake of Jewish Americans, Democrats are endorsing an antisemitic candidate,” she added.
