NEW YORK (Diya TV) — A new controversy is brewing in New York politics over a series of old social media posts by a member of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team that targeted Jews, Israel, and gay rights. The comments resurfaced over the weekend and immediately fueled accusations of antisemitism and intolerance.
Hassaan Chaudhary, who identifies himself on LinkedIn as the political director for Mamdani’s transition and inaugural committee, posted the comments more than a decade ago. The statements used the word “Jew” as a slur, praised former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and attacked Israel with inflammatory language. In one post, Chaudhary celebrated Ahmadinejad for calling Israel a “cancer.”
Some posts date back to when Chaudhary was 18. They resurfaced as critics accused New York leaders of ignoring rising antisemitism and hateful rhetoric. The posts quickly spread online and drew sharp reactions from Jewish organizations and elected officials.
Several of the resurfaced posts included extreme language about Israel and its supporters. Chaudhary called Israel a “bloody country” and a “barbaric nation.” In another message, he used an Urdu insult that refers to “Jew” as a derogatory term. He also mocked discussions of gay rights, calling them “claptrap” and claiming that “a boundary line should be drawn.”
The comments shocked many Jewish activists. They said the rhetoric closely mirrors historical antisemitic language and has no place in public service.
Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and a former Brooklyn assemblyman, condemned the posts. He said the language reminded him of Adolf Hitler’s rhetoric. Hikind argued that the statements reveal a hostile attitude toward Jewish people and questioned why Mamdani appointed Chaudhary to a senior role.
Chaudhary apologized in a statement on Sunday. He said the posts do not reflect his current views and that he regrets them deeply. He added that his perspective has changed since then. His apology did little to ease the reaction from activists who believe the statements are disqualifying.
The controversy also sparked criticism of Gov. Kathy Hochul. Some conservative figures accused her of failing to condemn the antisemitic remarks. They claimed she “endorsed” extreme rhetoric by remaining silent. Hochul has faced pressure in recent months to respond more forcefully to rising antisemitic incidents in New York.
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and vocal supporter of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel, has not publicly addressed how Chaudhary was vetted. Critics say his political positions created an environment where antisemitic comments may have been tolerated.
The resurfaced posts raise new questions about the transition team’s screening process. Jewish community leaders say Mamdani must clarify why someone with a record of extreme statements was chosen for a leadership role.
The dispute comes at a time when New York is grappling with rising hate crimes and tense debates about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Jewish residents say they feel increasingly unsafe. Many argue that political leaders are not doing enough to denounce antisemitism.
Chaudhary’s posts reignited those concerns. They also amplified debates about how elected officials should respond to hate speech, even when it comes from years-old social media activity.
Advocates say apologies alone are not enough. They want clear consequences for what they view as hateful behavior. Some are calling for Chaudhary’s removal from the transition team. Others say Mamdani must commit to stronger policies against antisemitism.
The controversy remains active, and pressure is building on city leaders to take further action. Whether Mamdani will adjust his transition team or issue a direct statement is still unclear. For now, the resurfaced posts have sparked a wider discussion about intolerance, leadership responsibility, and the standards expected of public officials in New York.
