Rabbi David Katz Reverses Course on Mamdani, Calls on NYC Mayor to Resign Over Netanyahu Remarks
IHF Executive Director Rabbi David Katz at the Kotel in Jerusalem, Israel.
7/22/2026, 9:17:15 PM
A Hasidic rabbi who urged New Yorkers to respect Mayor Zohran Mamdani after he took office has reversed course, calling on the mayor to resign after Mamdani described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal.”
Rabbi David Katz, executive director of the Israel Heritage Foundation, said in a video message Wednesday that he was “very shocked” by Mamdani’s remarks the previous night and said the mayor owes an apology to all New Yorkers.
“Until he apologizes, he should resign,” Katz said, arguing that Mamdani’s comments were unworthy of the office of mayor and did not represent the people of New York.
The remarks marked a sharp reversal for Katz, who publicly congratulated Mamdani when he was inaugurated on Jan. 1 and urged New Yorkers to respect the city’s new mayor despite deep political differences. At the time, Katz said, “He’s become the mayor of New York, whether we like it or not. We’ve got to respect him as mayor,” adding that political disagreements should not prevent people from recognizing an elected leader.
The Israel Heritage Foundation also issued a congratulatory message at the time, saying it extended its “deepest respect and honor” to Mamdani and expressing hope that his leadership would make New York “safe and proud” while bringing “joy and prosperity to all New Yorkers.”
In his January remarks, Katz said he was willing to give Mamdani a chance and would judge him by his actions, noting that he had previously praised political leaders from both parties when they did “the right thing.” He also said he would not hesitate to criticize Mamdani if he acted “not to the liking of humanity.”
On Wednesday, Katz said Mamdani’s latest comments about Netanyahu prompted him to withdraw that support. He said the mayor’s remarks crossed a line, warranted an apology to all New Yorkers and, until such an apology is made, justified his resignation.