Mamdani, straight outta Teheran, Doha, and colonial Uganda

What the report says

Israel National News published an opinion column by Prof. Phyllis Chesler on July 26, 2026, sharply criticizing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The article is presented as commentary, not a straight news report, and uses highly charged language to portray Mamdani as a threat to New York City and to Jewish residents. Chesler argues that his appeal is rooted in celebrity-style politics and says his supporters embraced his criticism of Israel and its leaders.

The column focuses heavily on Mamdani’s views on Israel, Iran, Qatar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Chesler criticizes Mamdani for accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and genocide in Gaza and for reportedly calling for action tied to an International Criminal Court charge. She argues that a city mayor has no authority to seek the arrest of a foreign leader and says he later backed away from that position. The piece also condemns his call for street protests, warning that demonstrations targeting a protected foreign dignitary could raise legal and public-safety concerns.

Chesler also attacks Mamdani’s background and domestic agenda, referencing his family’s links to Uganda’s colonial-era Indian diaspora and criticizing policies she attributes to him on policing, jails, encampments, e-bike lanes, sanctuary measures, mental-health crisis response and taxation. The article further links him to broader concerns about Islamist political influence, while acknowledging at least one claim about alleged firings of Jewish staff as unconfirmed.

The piece matters mainly as an example of intensely polarized commentary around Mamdani’s leadership, Israel-related politics and New York governance. Its assertions should be read as the author’s opinion and allegations reported by Israel National News, not independently verified findings.