"Normalizing Zionism": Why are pro-Palestinians in New York turning their backs on Zohran Mamdani?

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced harsh criticism from pro-Palestinian activists who helped elect him, accusing him of abandoning his principles. The activists charge him with backtracking on promises, moving closer to pro-Israeli figures, and participating in a memorial ceremony for the victims of October 7, which they describe as "normalizing Zionism."

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani finds himself under attack from the pro-Palestinian activists who helped build his political power. According to a report in Middle East Eye, the activists accuse him of reneging on his promises and moving closer to pro-Israeli figures. Points of criticism include his participation in a rally commemorating the victims of October 7, where protesters called him a "traitor"; his decision to keep Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who describes herself as a "proud Zionist," in her post; and his failure to fulfill his promise to act for the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, activists demand he dismantle the police SRG unit. Mamdani, who built his political image around identification with Palestinians, now faces claims that he is compromising after taking office.