Zohran Mamdani, state leaders condemn slogans outside Queens synagogue
January 10, 2026: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday night strongly condemned pro-Hamas chants raised during a protest outside a synagogue in Queens, saying such rhetoric has no place in the city. The demonstration, organised by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation (PAL-Awda), reportedly saw protesters chanting slogans in support of Hamas, while counter-protesters shouted racial and homophobic slurs. Responding to criticism over his initial reaction, Mamdani told The New York Times that endorsing a terrorist organisation was wrong and unacceptable in New York.
Mamdani said his administration was coordinating closely with the New York Police Department to maintain public order and protect communities, while also safeguarding the constitutional right to protest. Clarifying his position on X, he stated, “Chants in support of a terrorist organization have no place in our city,” and stressed the need to ensure the safety of people entering and leaving houses of worship.
Several senior state and city leaders echoed the condemnation. New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “Hamas is a terrorist organisation. We do not support terrorists. Period.” Governor Kathy Hochul called the chants “disgusting and dangerous,” while Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the slogans as antisemitic and unacceptable. City leaders underlined that while peaceful protest is protected, hate speech and support for violence will not be tolerated.