Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a Jewish schools-related gathering outside Gracie Mansion on Friday. Rapaport accused the mayor of being divisive and said he is considering a campaign for mayor in 2029. The gathering brought students from several Jewish schools to Manhattan for prayer, speeches and singing two days before Yom Kippur.
Mamdani said participants had the right to gather outside the mayoral residence and indicated that he would likely be elsewhere in the city during the event. The demonstration also drew people who appeared to be Jewish counter-protesters expressing anti-Israel views.
| 1) | Rapaport’s criticism of Mamdani |
| 2) | Mamdani’s response to the gathering |
| 3) | Rapaport leaves open a 2029 mayoral bid |
| 4) | Jewish school students gather before Yom Kippur |
| 5) | Counter-protesters appear near the event |
Rapaport’s criticism of Mamdani
Michael Rapaport spoke at the gathering outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan on Friday, directing sharp criticism at Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Rapaport described the mayor in highly personal and derogatory terms, portraying him as a divisive figure in New York City politics.
“Zohran the moron is the most divisive mayor in the history of this city by far,” Rapaport said. “He’s a two-bit con man.”
Rapaport also made allegations about Mamdani’s wife, using language that accused her of antisemitism, racism and homophobia. The remarks came during a gathering focused on Jewish students and concerns about Jewish safety and belonging in New York City.
Mamdani’s response to the gathering
Mamdani’s office responded to questions about the event by pointing to comments the mayor made earlier in the week. Mamdani said the participants were welcome to gather outside Gracie Mansion, regardless of whether they viewed the event as a vigil or a protest.
“I welcome them,” Mamdani said. “They can have a vigil, or I’ve heard some describe it even as a protest.”
He added that the group had the room and space to hold the event outside the residence. Mamdani also said he would probably be somewhere else across the city while the gathering was taking place. His comments framed the event as a permitted civic activity rather than a confrontation with his administration.
Rapaport leaves open a 2029 mayoral bid
During the appearance, Rapaport said he was seriously considering a campaign for New York City mayor. The next mayoral contest is scheduled for 2029, leaving several years before voters choose the city’s next leader.
Rapaport did not commit to running independently of other potential candidates. He said he could instead support another person if that candidate had a better chance of winning. His comments introduced a possible political role for the entertainer while stopping short of a formal campaign announcement.
Jewish school students gather before Yom Kippur
Binyamin Krauss, principal of SAR Academy, described the event as a student gathering involving SAR, Ramaz and other Jewish schools. The students were expected to stand on East 88th Street, pray, sing and hear brief remarks before returning by bus to their classes.
“You belong in this city, and when Jews feel unsafe we gather, and we pray, out loud,” Krauss wrote.
Krauss said the gathering was planned two days before Yom Kippur and was intended to teach students that public participation can express both vulnerability and agency. He described showing up as a civic act protected by the Constitution and said the students’ affection for New York City and Israel was not contradictory.
Counter-protesters appear near the event
People who appeared to be Jewish counter-protesters were also seen near the gathering on Friday. Their signs expressed support for Mamdani while criticizing Israeli actions and rejected the idea that anti-Zionism is automatically antisemitic.
The presence of competing messages reflected the broader political and communal tensions surrounding the event. The original gathering centered on Jewish students praying and speaking in public, while the nearby counter-protesters used the same setting to voice opposing views about Israel and antisemitism.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Rapaport sharply criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a Jewish gathering outside Gracie Mansion. |
| 2 | Mamdani said participants were welcome to hold a vigil or protest outside the mayoral residence. |
| 3 | Rapaport said he is considering a mayoral campaign in 2029. |
| 4 | Students from SAR, Ramaz and other Jewish schools gathered before Yom Kippur. |
Summary
The gathering combined student prayer and speeches with political criticism of New York City’s mayor. Rapaport used the event to attack Mamdani and signal that he may seek elected office, while Mamdani said the group had the right to assemble. The appearance of counter-protesters underscored the competing views surrounding Jewish safety, Israel and antisemitism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michael Rapaport criticize Zohran Mamdani?
Rapaport criticized Mamdani during a Jewish gathering outside Gracie Mansion, calling the mayor divisive and making additional personal allegations about the mayor and his wife.
What did Mamdani say about the gathering?
Mamdani said the participants were welcome to hold either a vigil or a protest outside Gracie Mansion and said he would probably be elsewhere in the city during the event.
Could Rapaport run for New York City mayor?
Rapaport said he was considering running for mayor in 2029, although he also left open the possibility of supporting another candidate who had a better chance of winning.
