1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Last week, New York City's Mayor Zohran Mamdani did what too few elected officials have dared: he called Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal. This statement reflects reality. The International Court of Justice has found it "plausible" that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority women and children, in a military campaign that has destroyed hospitals, universities, and entire neighborhoods. We urge you to publicly affirm Mamdani's words and reject America's unconditional alliance with Netanyahu's government. For decades, U.S. policy has treated Israeli security as sacrosanct while Palestinians' basic rights are dismissed. This is not about religion or identity—it is about international law and human dignity. To those who say criticism of Israel is antisemitic: that is a false and dangerous conflation. Criticizing a government's actions is not bigotry. To those who say we must prioritize safety: enabling a military campaign that has killed over 40,000 people and displaced nearly two million does not make anyone safer—it fuels cycles of violence that harm New Yorkers and Palestinians alike. Grassroots movements across New York and the nation are demanding accountability. Voters are watching. Faith communities, labor unions, and human rights organizations are mobilizing. History will judge those who spoke truth—and those who stayed silent. Governor, please show leadership. Affirm that war crimes must be condemned, regardless of allyship. Affirm that Palestinian lives matter.