Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim to be elected mayor of New York, said in September that he would order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a 1967 graduate of Cheltenham High School, if he came to New York City.

Mamdani’s comments have resurfaced following his election last week.

According to The New York Times, Mamdani said Netanyahu is a war criminal and that “he would honor a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Mr. Netanyahu’s arrest by having him apprehended at the airport.”

“This is something that I intend to fulfill,” Mr. Mamdani told The Times. “This is a moment where we cannot look to the federal government for leadership. This is a moment when cities and states will have to demonstrate what it actually looks like to stand up for our own values, our own people.”

Mr. Mamdani also said he would also arrest Russian president Vladimir Putin.

According to a 5townscentral.com article published today, New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov has sent an official letter inviting Netanyahu to visit New York City on January 1, 2026, which is the day Mamdani takes office.

From the letter:

It is with great honor that I extend to you an invitation to visit New York City on January 1, 2026, to meet with members of our community and to reaffirm the deep and enduring bond between the State of Israel and the people of New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.

In recent months, there have been irresponsible and frankly absurd statements made by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has campaigned on the promise of ‘arresting’ you upon setting foot in our city.

Whether individuals agree or disagree with your policies, you are the duly elected Prime Minister of the State of Israel—a democratic nation that stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, western values, resilience, and strength in a region surrounded by tyranny and terror.

Despite the vile rhetoric of unashamed Marxist radicals like Mayor-elect Mamdani, your visit would serve as a powerful reminder that this city stands with Israel, the Jewish people, and with the principles that unite our two great nations.

The full letter is below:

Last week, Governor Josh Shapiro of Abington Township said he had a “lengthy conversation” with Mamdani regarding his comments on Israel prior to the election.

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Photos: Wikipedia