New York leaders condemn 'intifada' chants targeting a synagogue led by a Holocaust survivor

By Fox News · Fox News

Protesters gathered outside a synagogue in New York City on Wednesday night to shout a slew of anti-Israel chants, drawing condemnation by New York leaders, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, whose history of anti-Israel statements sparked fear and concern in New York's Jewish community even before he was elected. The "No Settlers on Stolen Land" protest took place outside of Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue, which was hosting an event by Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit that helps American Jews immigrate to Israel. The protesters called for an intifada — a term widely considered a call to violence against Jews — and for the death of Israel Defense Forces. They also chanted "We don't want no Zionists here." Gov. Kathy Hochul , D-N.Y., condemned the protest as a "blatant attack on the Jewish community." "No New Yorker should be intimidated or harassed at their house of worship," Hochul said in a statement . "What happened last night at [Park East Synagogue] was shameful and a blatant attack on the Jewish community. Hate has no place in New York." FOX NEWS ‘ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED’ NEWSLETTER: WILL NEW YORK CITY'S NEXT MAYOR HATE JEWS? Dora Pekec, spokesperson for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, told Fox News Digital that Mamdani has "discouraged the language used at last night’s protest and will continue to do so." "He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation, and that these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law," Pekec added. During the Democratic mayoral primary , Mamdani refused to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" — arguing that he does not support policing language. He later relented that he would "discourage" others from using the phrase after conversations with Jewish New Yorkers. Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently visiting Israel, also condemned the protests on Thursday and committed to visiting Park East Synagogue when he re…