# Mayor Mamdani skips Netanyahu protests to focus on safety

> New York's mayor, a vocal Palestinian rights advocate, says he won't join demonstrations during the Israeli PM's UN visit.
- Title: Mayor Mamdani skips Netanyahu protests to focus on safety
- Summary: New York's mayor, a vocal Palestinian rights advocate, says he won't join demonstrations during the Israeli PM's UN visit. Mamdani is prioritizing his role…
- Keywords: zohran mamdani, benjamin netanyahu, new york city, united nations general assembly, pro-palestinian activism, israel, public safety, protests, mayor, danny danon, linda sarsour, cair
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/mayor-zohran-mamdani-avoid-anti-israel-pro-palestinian-protests-prime-minister-netanyahu-address-general-assembly/19844593
- Published: 2026-09-17T21:46:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zohran mamdani, benjamin netanyahu, new york city, united nations general assembly, pro-palestinian activism, israel, public safety, protests, mayor, danny danon, linda sarsour, cair
## Netanyahu visits UN as protests loom
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to address the UN General Assembly while the NYPD readies for large demonstrations outside the United Nations.
## Mayor prioritizes safety over activism
Mayor Zohran Mamdani says his focus is keeping New Yorkers safe and ensuring the city runs smoothly, rather than joining anti-Israel or pro-Palestinian protests.

> My focus in this time is on making sure that we're keeping New Yorkers safe, that we're also still making it possible for New Yorkers to get from Point A to Point B.
## Mamdani's history of harsh criticism
The mayor previously called Netanyahu a war criminal and architect of genocide in city videos, and posted that Palestinians are being massacred with American tax dollars.

> Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal and the architect of a horrific genocide.
## Standing by beliefs while governing
Mamdani says he remains clear about his views but must balance his personal convictions with his responsibility to ensure the General Assembly proceeds safely and smoothly.

> I stand by what I've said. And also my job as the mayor is to ensure that it goes safely, it goes smoothly.
## Muslim leaders back the mayor's choice
Activist Linda Sarsour and the Council on American-Islamic Relations say the mayor has already made his positions clear and is right to focus on his mayoral duties.

> The mayor's job is to make sure that the people of New York are safe, no matter their political views.
## Israeli ambassador condemns the mayor
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says if anyone should be arrested, it's Mayor Mamdani for inciting and collaborating with enemies of the United States.

> If someone should be arrested, it's Mayor Mamdani for inciting, for actually collaborating with the enemies of the United States.
## Key takeaway

Mamdani is prioritizing his role as mayor to ensure public safety during the UN General Assembly over participating in protests, despite his strong previous criticism of Netanyahu.