The echoes of gunfire in Bondi Beach, Australia – a Hanukkah celebration shattered by violence, fifteen lives extinguished – have sent a chilling wave of fear through Jewish communities worldwide. Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, spiritual leader of a prominent Manhattan synagogue, describes a palpable sense of unease, a feeling that the world is becoming increasingly hostile.
Hirsch’s urgent plea is directed at New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani: unequivocally condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada.” It’s a demand born not of political maneuvering, but of a desperate need for reassurance. For Hirsch, the phrase isn’t abstract rhetoric; it’s a direct precursor to tragedy, a chilling foreshadowing of attacks like the one in Sydney.
The core of the concern lies in Mamdani’s past reluctance to denounce the phrase, a stance rooted in his belief that policing language stifles free expression. But Hirsch argues this is a dangerous miscalculation. “What does ‘globalize the intifada’ mean?” he asks, his voice laced with urgency. “It means Bondi Beach.” It’s a call, he insists, for the destruction of Israel, masked as political expression.
This isn’t about silencing legitimate criticism of Israeli policy, Hirsch clarifies. He acknowledges the right to question and even protest government actions. The danger, he explains, arises from a deeper, more insidious ideology – a fundamental opposition to the very existence of a Jewish state. This, he believes, is the bedrock of Mamdani’s long-held views, stemming from his early activism in pro-Palestinian movements.
Hirsch warns that even the *rhetoric* of anti-Zionism creates a climate of hostility, a breeding ground for antisemitism. Increased security around synagogues, while necessary, is merely a reactive measure. The true solution lies in dismantling the hateful ideologies that fuel the violence. “What happens to Jews never stays with the Jews,” he states, emphasizing the broader societal implications.
The rabbi points to a recent demonstration outside a Manhattan synagogue, where protesters openly called for an “intifada” and the demise of Israel. This incident, coupled with Mamdani’s past positions, prompted a nationwide call to action from over 650 rabbis, demanding a firm stance against antisemitism. New York City, home to the largest Jewish diaspora outside of Israel, is particularly vulnerable.
Hirsch acknowledges Mamdani’s willingness to meet with Jewish leaders and listen to their concerns. He views this as a constructive first step. However, he stresses that words are not enough. The mayor-elect must understand the profound impact of his rhetoric, the way it can translate into real-world violence, regardless of security measures.
“Rhetoric leads to action,” Hirsch implores. “Anti-Zionism is a hateful ideology, and it leads to hateful acts against Jews.” He urges Mamdani to choose his words carefully, to refrain from policies that will further inflame tensions in an already fragile environment. The future of New York City, and the safety of its Jewish community, may depend on it.
In a statement released following the Bondi Beach attack, Mamdani condemned the violence as a “vile act of antisemitic terror,” pledging to protect Jewish New Yorkers during his tenure. While a welcome development, Hirsch’s message remains clear: condemnation is only the beginning. A fundamental shift in perspective, a rejection of hateful ideologies, is essential to truly safeguard the Jewish community and build a more tolerant future.
