Controversy Erupts as Mayoral Hopeful Zohran Mamdani Mocks Hanukkah Traditions
A Jewish advocacy organization has taken aim at Democratic socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for sharing a video deemed “offensive” that parodied Hanukkah and involved individuals “cosplaying” as Jewish people.
Mamdani, who is a leading contender in the mayoral race, posted a clip on his X account last year featuring the Geeta Brothers Duet Group. The footage depicted two men in wigs engaging in dance, playing with dreidels, and celebrating, all accompanied by Punjabi-influenced music against a menorah backdrop.
In a post on X, the group Stop Antisemitism condemned Mamdani’s message, stating, “Zohran Mamdani shares a video of Indian men impersonating Jews, spinning dreidels, and lighting the menorah. Our traditions are sacred and not intended for your entertainment—this is unacceptable.”
Mamdani, 33, initially shared the playful song titled “Hey Hanukkah” during the previous year’s Festival of Lights, expressing festive wishes from Astoria and Long Island City on X.
The video originates from the 2015 parody record “Punjabi Christmas Album Hits,” created by the Geeta Brothers, a project led by Sikh-Canadian musician and comedian Jus Reign.
Mamdani had previously shared a similar comedic clip from the same group on Christmas Eve 2024, wishing followers a merry Christmas with a video for the song “Jingle Bells,” featuring performers in comparable wigs.
The backlash against Mamdani isn’t limited to this incident; Jewish New Yorkers have expressed broader concerns regarding the candidate’s political stance. Some residents were alarmed by pro-Mamdani text messages that mentioned the traumatic events of the October 7 attack in Israel.
One shared message stated, “My friend Idan was killed on October 7 at the Re’im music festival. For me, the war is personal, as it is to many in our community. Idan believed in peace, just as Mamdani does.” The identity of the sender remains unknown.
Mamdani has faced criticism in the past for his refusal to acknowledge Israel’s status as a Jewish state. Recently, the assemblyman has also faced scrutiny for claiming to be African American in his Columbia University application, which has further alienated some members of the Black community.
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