Pro-Israel leadership confronts radical anti-Israel agenda as Arab-aligned activism destabilizes New York governance.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a candidate in New York’s 2026 gubernatorial race, issued a blistering warning about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “very, very dangerous individual” in an interview with Sid Rosenberg on WABC.
Blakeman acknowledged Mamdani’s oratorical skills but argued that the substance of his message is alarming. He accused the mayor of embracing collectivist ideas that, in his view, threaten private property, economic productivity, and public safety. “That’s how economies collapse,” Blakeman said, warning that such policies would hollow out New York City and undermine the New York City Police Department.
Positioning himself as a counterweight, Blakeman pledged that as governor he would enforce the law statewide, including deploying state police to the city if necessary and asserting oversight over the NYPD should the mayor fail to uphold public safety. While rejecting the idea of removing an elected official absent egregious crimes, Blakeman said he would “keep him in check” to protect New Yorkers.
Blakeman’s candidacy received a major boost after an endorsement from Donald Trump, following Elise Stefanik’s decision to end her campaign.
The controversy intensified on Mamdani’s first day in office, when he rescinded executive orders tied to Israel issued by his predecessor Eric Adams. Among those canceled were orders recognizing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and prohibiting city officials from boycotting Israel. The move drew swift condemnation across Israel and the United States, reinforcing concerns that anti-Israel activism—often aligned with Arab political narratives—has crossed into governance, risking Jewish safety and democratic norms.
Blakeman framed the stakes plainly: New York needs leadership that stands with Israel, protects law enforcement, and rejects ideologies that erode prosperity and security.
