'See who the real enemy is': Israeli envoy Akunis invites Mamdani to view October 7 footage

Israeli Consul-General in New York, Ofir Akunis, invited New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to view the 47-minute IDF-produced October 7 atrocity film during a memorial ceremony attended by 1,000 people. Akunis sent a formal letter accusing Mamdani of incitement and linking his rhetoric to rising antisemitism. The invitation is the latest in a series of clashes between the two over Mamdani's approach toward Israel, including rescinding the IHRA antisemitism definition and declining to participate in the Israel parade. Akunis criticized world leaders who have criticized Israel, asking what they would do if 'savage people invaded your country.'

Israel's Consul-General in New York, Ofir Akunis, invited New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday evening to view the 47-minute film documenting the October 7 massacre, which will be screened in New York to mark three years since the attack. Akunis extended the invitation during a memorial ceremony held by the Israeli Consulate, attended by some 1,000 people, and simultaneously sent him a formal letter. In his speech, Akunis said: 'I invite Mr. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor, to come and watch the film. For the first time, he will be able to see what the people he supports actually did, and perhaps he will stop his relentless incitement, hatred, and blood libels against the State of Israel.' In the letter, Akunis wrote that Mamdani's words against Israel are 'a significant factor in the rise of antisemitism in New York.' Akunis also criticized world leaders who have criticized Israel, asking what they would do if 'savage people invaded your country.' The invitation is the latest in a series of clashes between Akunis and Mamdani over the mayor's approach toward Israel, including rescinding the IHRA antisemitism definition and declining to participate in the Israel parade.