NEW YORK (VINnews) – Former New York state Assemblyman Dov Hikind criticized Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, after the Hasidic leader defended New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani against accusations of antisemitism.
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In a video, Hikind compared the defense of Mamdani to Jews marching alongside Hamas supporters and expressed dismay over the position.
Hearing the Satmar Rebbe defend Mamdani is like seeing fellow Jews march with Hamas supporters.
With despair I say:
God, please forgive our people. pic.twitter.com/qF7Ygn69l3— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) August 10, 2026
Hikind also invoked the history of Satmar founder Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, noting that he was among the Jews rescued aboard the Kastner train during the Holocaust. The rescue effort was organized by a Jewish committee that included Zionist activists, although it also involved Orthodox Jewish leaders and others.
The comments followed Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum’s remarks at a gathering marking the 47th yahrzeit of Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum. The Williamsburg Rebbe criticized attacks on Mamdani and warned that labeling him an antisemite could amount to what he called “provocation against the nations.”
He urged religious Jews in the United States to follow Torah principles and recognize their responsibilities while living in exile.
Both major Satmar factions — the Williamsburg-based Zalunim and the Kiryas Joel-based Aronim — have developed close relationships with Mamdani, a strategy that has drawn criticism and questions from other Jewish New Yorkers.
Mamdani, a Muslim progressive and outspoken critic of Israel, has faced criticism from Jewish organizations over his positions on Israel, the Gaza war and antisemitism.
The Satmar leadership has emphasized maintaining a working relationship with city officials and protecting the interests of its religious communities, even as critics argue that engagement with Mamdani risks legitimizing positions they consider hostile to Israel.
Remember Mordechai’s response. He was the only Jew who DID NOT bow to Haman, didn’t smooch up to him. In the end , it was shown he was correct.
The Williamsburg Zaloonies & NK are MamZHORdummy’s only Jewish fanbase that’s identifiable Jewish (dress like yidden). Sadly’s it’s this visibly Jewish sect that’s most prone to Antisemitic attacks fueld by MamZORdummy’s hate-speech & rhetoric. Dov H. is correct here, since they’re digging their own grave whether they realize it or not.
Call the spade a spade, the mayor is an anti-semite. He doesn’t have the power Hitler had or the ability personally to physically harm so all he has is policies and his words and they are no friend to us. Not sure why it pays to stick up for him
It is truly painful to see such hatred directed between fellowJews. Every Jewish person, regardless of their way of life, possesses a divine soul. Ultimately, only God is the true judge.
Antisemitism is one of the oldest hatreds. It always existed and morphed more into the current politically correct version called anti-Israel/Jewish-State. October 8th US & global pro jihadi demonstratios – before IDF even came near Gaza – should’ve clearly shown us that.
Even if you’re too comfortable in America and never viewed Israel as an escape hatch, be relieved that hatred steam is mostly directed at Israel and not the “Jewish Capitalists” & your American home. Holocaust and centuries of hateful state decrees & pogroms should’ve taught us that.
Yaakov Avinu taught us 3 things to survive in galus. We have kabalah that “doron” only works for the bnei Eisav and not Yishmael. That leaves us with the other two.
I LOVE THIS COUNTRY, and fear what is happening because of liberals who seem to want to destroy America. I am raging against the dying of the light. I worry for my children and grandchildren who are experiencing great antisemitism . Attack me if you wish , but I will not go gentle into that good night. Wake up America and fight for our heritage. Do not be afraid to speak out. for Israel and America. RABBI DR. BERNHARD ROSENBERG
The attempt to rewrite history and whitewash those who actively undermine the safety and security of the Jewish people is a dangerous trend. We must never forget the lessons of our past, nor allow contemporary figures to legitimize those who seek our destruction. The memory of our ancestors demands both vigilance and courage in the face of such distortions.
The moral clarity demonstrated by Dov Hikind is commendable. It is vital to remember the lessons of history and to stand unequivocally against those who support or rationalize antisemitism, regardless of their background or current affiliations. Our collective memory demands that we speak out.
Antisemitism and anti-Zionism are getting worse. There is more violence against Jews around the world. worthless. I have written more books and articles on the Holocaust than any living rabbi only to find that education alone will not stop this hatred. I spent nine years on the New JESRY holocaust commission and served as co-editor of the state’s holocaust curriculum, yet antisemitism on the college campuses is rampant and the education in High school did not seem to make a great difference. truth, but it is self-evident WORDS alone are worthless. We must protect ourselves and our children by learning self-defense. w We need strength in numbers; a national SHOMRIM is essential. Mamdani is a problem not only in New York but around the UNITED States as he will be copied. He is no friend of the JEWISH PEOPLE.
Please share my warning, another holocaust is coming nearer. If it happened once it can happen again. Do not fool yourselves antisemitism was always here, it became a little less after the holocaust, but that has changed. The Palestinians are portrayed as the new Jews and the Israelis and the IDF as nazis. I AM THE ONLY CHILD OF holocaust SURVIVORS who lost most of his family in the SHOAH, THE HOLOCAUST. President TRUMP, I served as Rabbi for Trump since your first campaign, but I am not happy with some of the ways you are treating Israel now and I beg YOU TO SAVE THE innocent Iranian people from mass murder
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Where are the Muslims who should be demonstrating in the streets, where are the Christians, the Jews, the Hindus and all leaders of every religion on this planet? I appeal to you; children and babies are being massacred in different countries and most of the world and is silent. Only when Israel is involved does the press make certain to blame Israel.
To Antisemites, Israel and the Jews Are the Reason for Everything
I am willing to go to any faith group and organize a major protest.
As one whose parents were in the Holocaust and who lost most of his family including two siblings, all I can do is speak out for these poor souls. I only wish I could do more.. Yes, I feel guilty watching the horrible pictures of the dying while sitting comfortably in a chair here in the U.S. I pray for them and ask that all of us do so. I remember growing up in Kansas City seeing my father’s numbers of his left arm and my mother who had aged more than her years, asking, where was the world to help. I now repeat the same question and have no answer. See less
Hindu American Leader Sounds Alarm on Mamdani, Says Jews and Hindus Face Common Threats
MAMDANI IS A YOUNG HITLER. RABBI
WHAT HAPPENED IN NEW YORK CAN AND WILL OCCUR THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Antisemitism is rampant. I KEEP WARNING YOU. RABBI DR. BERNHARD
ROSENBERG
Just for the record, Rabbi Miller held the same view. I heard many of his speeches in which he urged Jews to be humble, to walk with their heads down, and to keep their eyes on the street. According to Rabbi Miller, even before the war, the Jew understood his place in society.
We are greatly outnumbered, and unfortunately, antisemitism is happening worldwide, not just in New York. The Satmar Rebbe is correct: you do not challenge authority in that manner. It will only create more problems for the Jewish community.