New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces renewed criticism following reports that he was excluded from delivering a eulogy at the funeral of Army Staff Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, a U.S. soldier killed in an Iranian missile strike on July 17 near Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The incident occurred just days after a petition campaign, led by Brooklyn resident Giovanni Galante, sought to prevent Mamdani from participating in the upcoming 25th anniversary memorial services for the Sept. 11 attacks. The petition, which has amassed over 70,000 signatures, argues that Mamdani’s political stance, particularly his vocal opposition to Israel and his alignment with certain progressive ideologies, poses a threat to national security and undermines the memory of 9/11 victims. According to The Washington Times, Mamdani was seated in the fourth row at Rampersad’s funeral in Queens, where he was not invited to deliver a speech. Elected officials such as Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards were given the opportunity to speak, while Mamdani remained silent. The New York Post reported that Mamdani appeared visibly upset when he realized he had been overlooked, directing his frustration toward his staff. Rampersad’s family, described as supporters of former President Donald Trump, reportedly requested that Mamdani refrain from speaking at the funeral, citing concerns over his political views. Galante, whose wife died in the 9/11 attacks, expressed outrage over Mamdani’s exclusion from the commemorative events. He told The Washington Times that Mamdani’s support for figures associated with radical Islamist movements and his reluctance to address antisemitism represent a direct affront to the values upheld by 9/11 victims and their families. The petition, which includes approximately 300 relatives of 9/11 victims, seeks to ensure that the anniversary ceremonies remain free from what its organizers describe as dangerous ideological influences. In response, Mamdani’s allies have defended his position. A nonprofit organization backed by left-wing billionaire George Soros, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, has actively opposed the petition. Founded by 9/11 survivors and families, the group has historically criticized U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, aligning itself with Mamdani’s broader political agenda. The organization has emphasized that Mamdani’s commitment to peace and justice is consistent with the goals of those who lost loved ones on 9/11. President Trump has publicly endorsed the petition, suggesting that Mamdani’s presence at the 9/11 commemorations could be problematic. During a recent interview with The Washington Times, Trump remarked that the families of 9/11 victims are increasingly frustrated with the current administration and its handling of issues related to national security and public safety. He added that many of these individuals believe that Mamdani’s policies and rhetoric threaten the stability and unity of the nation. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s deputy press secretary, Jeremy Edwards, issued a statement affirming the mayor’s intention to participate in the 9/11 commemoration. “Mayor Mamdani will proudly honor the families, survivors and first responders forever impacted by these devastating attacks by standing alongside them at this year’s 9/11 Commemoration,” Edwards said. “Reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day felt by all of us who call this city home.” Separately, New York City has seen a sharp rise in antisemitic hate crimes. According to NYPD data, Jews were the target of 70% of all hate crimes recorded in July 2026, with 23 of the 33 confirmed incidents being antisemitic. This marks a 53% increase compared to the previous year. Since Mamdani took office in early 2026, overall hate crimes in the city have risen by 9.4%, though major crimes such as shootings and robberies have decreased. Jewish community leaders have raised concerns that Mamdani’s public criticism of Israel and his advocacy for Palestinian rights may contribute to the growing hostility toward Jewish communities. City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a Jewish official, has voiced alarm over the surge in hate crimes, stating that the situation is “unacceptable” and requires urgent attention. She has urged the city to take stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations, especially in light of the ongoing tensions between Israel and its neighbors. As the 9/11 commemorations approach, the controversy surrounding Mamdani’s role continues to intensify, with both sides presenting compelling arguments about the implications of his political choices.
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