“My dearly beloved fellow New Yorkers,
It’s an honor and privilege to not only be one of you but to fight for this opportunity to represent and lead you – all of you.
New York is a city that is strong because of its diversity, not just in terms of of culture – although we’ve been blessed with generations of immigrants who have helped make this city the unique mosaic of humanity that it is – but in terms of opinion.
New Yorkers pride themselves in taking an educated interest in the affairs of not just this dynamic city but of the whole world, including the countries from which many New Yorkers – or their parents, or their grandparents – proudly hail.
New Yorkers pride themselves in having passionate opinions and are never afraid to voice their opinions, even when in disagreement with the establishment, the consensus, or their neighbors.
This attitude creates an irreplaceable common culture of free inquiry, open discussion, and constructive criticism that permeates every project, every initiative, and every organization in this great city.
We would be fools not to recognize not just the necessity but the beauty of this diversity of opinion in making New York, our shared home, the unique treasure it is.
Right now, however, not all New Yorkers are feeling like New York is still their home.
Jewish New Yorkers in particular, who have lived and served in our community for centuries, are experiencing not just harassment but violence, tragically at the hands of their fellow New Yorkers, at unprecedented levels in New York history. Too many Jewish New Yorkers have personally been attacked by thugs hiding behind their personal opinions and political ideologies. In the name of criticizing the state of Israel – which, as you know, I’ll be the first to criticize but nevertheless millions of Jewish New Yorkers support for legitimate reasons that I’ll be the first to admit have nothing to do with Palestinians – synagogues, schools, and community centers have become targets for hate.
Here.
In New York City.
Our New York.
My friends, this situation – like so many other highly problematic aspects of the status quo – simply can’t be allowed to continue.
Vandalism, intimidation, harassment, assault, and all other forms of deplorable violence, even when disguised and justified as “political activism,” have no place in our city. Period.
The free and passionate expression of differences of opinion in our city depends on accepting this fact.
As mayor, it will be among my top priorities not only to implement policies that restore economic justice to a city struggling under the heavy burdens of rising costs, unemployment, and corporate monopolization, but that protect each and every community that comprises the beautifully diverse tapestry of our city – that make sure every New Yorker knows that they are not just safe but respected.
I want Jewish New Yorkers to know that I will work for them just as hard as I will work for every other New Yorker.
That their safety – their contribution, their presence – is valued just as much as every other New Yorker’s.
I want to invite all New Yorkers to join me in this mission – to make New York an affordable, safe home for all New Yorkers.
Together, we can make it happen.
Next question, please.”
– what Mamdani could have said 🤷