Moskowitz: Mamdani 'Feeding Red Meat to Those Antisemites, Every Day,' Causes Violence

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) of exacerbating antisemitism during a Thursday episode of Fox Business Network’s “Varney & Co.” Moskowitz claimed that Mamdani's frequent condemnation of antisemitic attacks in New York is akin to “feeding red meat to those antisemites, every day,” thereby fueling further violence. The remarks came amid growing concerns over rising antisemitic incidents in the city. The discussion unfolded during a segment focused on political polarization within both major parties. Moskowitz highlighted divisions in the Democratic and Republican ranks, citing examples such as Dan Bilzerian’s campaign against Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), which featured Nazi-themed advertisements, and James Fishback’s campaign against Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), described by Moskowitz as one of the most racially charged and antisemitic campaigns he had encountered. These instances underscore broader trends of extremist rhetoric gaining traction among fringe candidates. Moskowitz emphasized the emotional impact on Jewish communities, drawing parallels between historical experiences of persecution and current sentiments. He noted that many Jewish families are revisiting stories passed down from their grandparents, narratives of displacement, ostracization, and resistance in Europe. According to Moskowitz, these memories resonate strongly with today’s climate, where Jewish individuals reportedly feel increasingly targeted and isolated. When host Stuart Varney questioned Moskowitz on what Mamdani should do given the city’s division, Moskowitz reiterated his criticism. He argued that Mamdani appears to speak from two different perspectives: publicly condemning antisemitic acts while simultaneously contributing to an environment that sustains such hostility. Moskowitz suggested that as long as Mamdani continues to engage with narratives that inflame tensions, the cycle of condemnation will persist. Mamdani has not yet responded directly to Moskowitz’s allegations. However, recent reports indicate that the mayor has consistently condemned antisemitic attacks in New York, often issuing statements following incidents involving Jewish institutions or individuals. His office has maintained that addressing hate crimes is a priority, though critics argue that certain public comments or policies may inadvertently amplify divisive rhetoric. Political analysts suggest that Moskowitz’s remarks reflect a broader debate over how officials should respond to rising antisemitism. Some argue that public condemnation is essential to deter extremism, while others contend that such responses must be carefully calibrated to avoid unintentionally validating harmful ideologies. The controversy highlights the complex interplay between free speech, political accountability, and community safety. As the situation unfolds, attention will likely shift toward whether Mamdani takes additional steps to address the root causes of antisemitism in New York. With ongoing reports of hate crimes and political discourse growing more polarized, the mayor’s actions, or lack thereof, will continue to draw scrutiny. For now, the focus remains on the implications of Moskowitz’s claims and how they might influence future conversations around hate and governance.