New York City’s Jewish community — the largest in the United States — is abounding with anxiety and friction a day ahead of an election that could give the city its first Muslim mayor. That candidate, Zohran Mamdani, has won over many progressive Jewish voters with vows to make the city more affordable and equitable. Yet he has alarmed many other Jews — in New York and across the U.S. — with harsh criticism of Israeli policies, including assertions that its military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide.
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Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is pledging to embrace his Muslim identity amid growing attacks in the final days of the campaign. In an emotional address outside a Bronx mosque Friday, Mamdani said recent comments by Cuomo and his supporters had crossed a line into “racist and baseless” fear-mongering. He said he would embrace his faith in response in the hopes of sending a message to fellow Muslims living in fear. Despite skepticism from some Democrats, Mamdani earned the endorsement of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday.
President Donald Trump’s choice to challenge maverick Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has announced his candidacy. Ed Gallrein on Tuesday pledged to support Trump’s agenda and described the incumbent as an obstructionist. Gallrein is a retired Navy SEAL officer and enters the 4th District campaign after gaining Trump’s endorsement. A super PAC launched by Trump aides already has run ads attacking Massie. But Gallrein will confront an entrenched incumbent in Massie who has steamrolled past challengers, even after he incurred Trump’s wrath. The primary election next May will be a test of Trump’s hold over Republican politics. The 4th District stretches across northern Kentucky.
AP Wire
The Egyptian president says U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast peace proposal represents the “last chance” for peace in the region. Speaking Monday at a summit of world leaders, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi also reiterated his call for a two-state solution, saying the Palestinians have the right to an independent state alongside Israel. Trump’s plan holds out the possibility of a Palestinian state, but only after a lengthy transition period in Gaza and a reform process by the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Palestinian independence. El-Sissi also also awarded Trump the Order of the Nile, the country’s highest civilian honor.