Native Osman
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become the first mayor in the city’s history to publicly commemorate Nakba Day, a move many supporters have described as a landmark moment of recognition for Palestinian history and suffering in one of the world’s most influential cities.
The historic gesture came as Mamdani also reaffirmed that he would not attend this year’s Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, maintaining that his position is rooted in a commitment to universal human rights and equality.
In a four-minute documentary-style video released by City Hall on May 15, Mamdani highlighted the story of Palestinian New Yorker Inea Bushnaq, who was displaced with her family during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel.
Describing her as “a New Yorker and a Nakba survivor,” the Mayor centred the video on themes of memory, exile, identity and resilience.
For many Palestinians, Muslims and Arab Americans, the move represented a rare public acknowledgment of a history long absent from mainstream American political discourse.
Activists and community leaders praised Mamdani for recognising the Nakba — Arabic for “catastrophe” which refers to the forced displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians during creation of Israel in 1948.
The decision marked a clear departure from previous New York mayors, who have traditionally celebrated Israel’s Independence Day while avoiding public recognition of Palestinian dispossession.
Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim Mayor and a longstanding advocate for Palestinian rights, has consistently framed his position around equal dignity and freedom for both Palestinians and Israelis. His office confirmed that although he will not attend the Israel Day on Fifth parade scheduled for May 31, the city will continue providing all security and permits necessary for the event to proceed safely.
“I look forward to joining — and hosting — many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city,” Mamdani previously told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
“While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety.”
Supporters say Mamdani’s stance reflects a growing willingness among younger and more progressive American politicians to publicly acknowledge Palestinian experiences alongside Israeli narratives.
The mayor’s decision, however, drew criticism from pro-Israel politicians and some Jewish organisations, who argued that commemorating Nakba Day without celebrating Israel’s Independence Day presented an incomplete historical picture.
Critics also claimed the video lacked broader context surrounding the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and the displacement of Jewish communities from Arab countries in later years.
Republican Assembly Member Michael Novakhov accused Mamdani of alienating Jewish New Yorkers by refusing to attend the Israel Day parade.
Mamdani has repeatedly rejected claims that his views are anti-Jewish, insisting that criticism of Israeli government policies should not be conflated with antisemitism. Throughout his political career, he has condemned antisemitic attacks while also speaking forcefully against Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.
The controversy comes amid continuing global outrage over Israel’s war on Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attack. New York has seen large demonstrations in support of Palestinians alongside rising tensions, hate crime reports and heightened security concerns affecting both Muslim and Jewish communities.
Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian rights has long made him a target for pro-Israel critics. While studying at Bowdoin College, he founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and later supported academic boycott efforts targeting Israel. He also maintains close ties with the Democratic Socialists of America, which supports boycott campaigns against Israel.
During the mayoral campaign, Mamdani condemned Hamas’ October 7 attack as a “horrific war crime” while also accusing Israel of carrying out what he described as a “genocidal war” in Gaza — remarks that intensified criticism from pro-Israel groups but resonated strongly with many progressive and Muslim voters.
Despite the ongoing political backlash, Mamdani has also sought to reassure Jewish communities that combating antisemitism remains a priority for his administration. Earlier this week, he proposed allocating $26 million to New York City’s Office to Prevent Hate Crimes, a move praised even by some critics, including the Anti-Defamation League.
