July 21-Astoria-12pm
Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, has sparked a crucial conversation about leadership and cultural sensitivity, prompting anger over his suitability for the role. A resurfaced tweet from 2020 showed Mamdani gesturing in opposition to a Christopher Columbus statue in Astoria, Queens, with the caption “Take it down.”
This gesture has raised important questions about cultural respect and the Italian-American community’s celebration of Columbus as a historical figure. Critics, including Angelo Vivolo, president of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, have accused Mamdani of being insensitive to the Italian-American community.
Mamdani’s past comments and proposals have also drawn scrutiny, with some viewing his ideas as an opportunity for growth and dialogue. But we view it as hate. His college writings on white privilege and Israel serve as a reminder of his past legacy, making him unfit to represent a diverse cultural community.
His proposal to increase the city’s hate violence prevention budget ninefold has sparked discussion – does he mean what he says? His past statements and writings are a testament to his character and behavior. Additionally, Mamdani’s comments on law enforcement have raised eyebrows, particularly his stance on reforming the NYPD. Some have expressed concerns about Mamdani’s ability to effectively govern, citing his proposals and past comments as reflective of ideological passion rather than practical governance.
New York State has the largest population of Italian Americans in the country, with approximately 3.1 million people. Over 2.6 million Italians and Italian-Americans live in the greater New York metro area, with about 800,000 living within one of the five New York City boroughs. This makes Italian Americans the largest ethnic group in the New York metro area. As of 2025, the Jewish population in New York City is 1,672,025, accounting for 21% of all Jews in the United States, surpassing the combined totals of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
By engaging in respectful protest at Mamdani Headquarters, we can work towards a more inclusive and compassionate community where every New Yorker voice is heard and valued. Our combined voices can create positive change and encourage candidates like Mamdani to respect and celebrate our cultural diversities while respecting our identities, reminding future candidates that their rhetoric and misbehaviors will not go unnoticed.
Frank J Spotorno
Member – IACRL
Yonkers, NY
