New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism from Jewish community leaders after hosting activist Mahmoud Khalil and his family for an iftar meal at Gracie Mansion. Khalil, known for his strong pro-Palestinian activism and past comments about the October 7 attacks on Israel, has been accused by federal officials of sympathizing with terrorism.

Rabbi Moshe Davis and Councilwoman Inna Vernikov said the invitation sends a troubling message to Jewish residents. They argued that Khalil played a central role in campus unrest at Columbia University that they say contributed to hostility toward Jewish students, and described the mayor’s gesture as an endorsement of his views.

The controversy intensified after reports that the mayor’s wife, Rama Duwaji, had liked social media posts on the day of the October 7 attack that characterized the assault as resistance. Mamdani defended his wife as a private citizen, but critics said her online activity and Khalil’s presence at the mayoral residence raise concerns about the administration’s stance toward antisemitism. The mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.