A Provocative Invitation

A Republican New York City councilwoman, Inna Vernikov, has issued a call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the city on January 1, coinciding with the inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. This bold invitation comes as a challenge to Mamdani’s notorious campaign promise to arrest Netanyahu should he enter the city during his tenure.

The Context of the Challenge

Mamdani’s campaign platform included plans to take a stand against leaders whom he accused of committing war crimes, specifically targeting Netanyahu. The basis for such a controversial stance stems from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2024 against Netanyahu over alleged “war crimes” in Gaza—a warrant the United States does not recognize.

Vernikov’s Letter

In her public outreach via social media, Vernikov expressed her discontent with Mamdani’s remarks. She wrote, “In recent months, there have been irresponsible and frankly absurd statements made by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has campaigned on the promise of ‘arresting’ you upon setting foot in our city.” Vernikov, representing a district with significant Jewish demographics, framed her invitation as a defense of Netanyahu’s legitimacy as the elected leader of Israel.

Continuing her message, she emphasized, “Whether individuals agree or disagree with your policies, you are the duly elected Prime Minister of the State of Israel: a democratic nation that stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, western values, resilience, and strength in a region surrounded by tyranny and terror.”

A Commentary from Mamdani’s Ally

Vernikov’s comments echo sentiments within the broader political discussion surrounding Mamdani’s proposals. In a statement regarding Mamdani’s plans, she remarked, “From ‘free’ buses to arresting Bibi Netanyahu, all of Mamdani’s ideas are fantasies from a utopian pipe dream that will never become reality. The spoiled kids who voted for him are going to realize very quickly that Zohran Mamdani is a scam.”

Moreover, Rep. Jerry Nadler, a supporter of Mamdani, told the New York Times that Mamdani’s proposal is “simply unrealistic,” citing that the City of New York lacks the jurisdiction to carry out such an arrest.

Mamdani’s Election and Its Aftermath

Just recently, Mamdani emerged victorious in the mayoral race, despite facing intense backlash from various segments of the Jewish community over his past remarks regarding Israel. This criticism was notably articulated by over 650 rabbis who co-signed a letter denouncing Mamdani’s stance, labeling it antisemitic.

Following his election win, the UJA-Federation of New York, along with several other Jewish organizations, issued a joint statement expressing concern. They stated, “New Yorkers have spoken, electing Zohran Mamdani as the next Mayor of New York City. We cannot ignore that the Mayor-elect holds core beliefs fundamentally at odds with our community’s deepest convictions and most cherished values.”

Mamdani’s Reassurances

In light of the criticisms, Mamdani began to reach out to concerned constituents, asserting his commitment to support Jewish communities in New York. “We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism,” he declared on election night. The following day, he reiterated his seriousness regarding antisemitism as a pressing issue.