A Jewish advocacy organization has strongly condemned New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani after the Democratic socialist shared a video the group claims mocks Hanukkah and disrespects Jewish religious traditions, according to JNS.
StopAntisemitism criticized Mamdani on social media for sharing a video last year featuring Indian performers dressed as Jewish characters engaging in Hanukkah rituals, including spinning dreidels and lighting a menorah. The organization denounced the clip as "sick," arguing that "Our holidays and traditions are sacred and not for your comedic pleasure," according to JNS.
Zohran Mamdani posts Indian men cosplaying Jews, spinning dreidels and lighting the menorah.
Our holidays and traditions are sacred and not for your comedic pleasure @ZohranKMamdani - this is sick. pic.twitter.com/iOn4LFftjX
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) July 5, 2025
The controversial video, titled "Hey Hanukkah," represents a parody song from the 2015 Punjabi Christmas Album Hits by the Geeta Brothers, a comedic project led by Sikh-Canadian entertainer Jus Reign, JNS reported. The clip features two men in wigs celebrating Hanukkah with a Punjabi musical twist.
Mamdani shared the video on social media during last year's Hanukkah, writing, "Happy 3rd night of Hanukkah from Astoria and Long Island City," JNS reported. The current state assemblyman also shared another parody video from the same comedy group on Christmas Eve 2024, this time spoofing the holiday classic "Jingle Bells."
The incident compounds a growing list of criticisms Mamdani has faced from members of New York's Jewish community. Critics have previously raised concerns about his campaign's references to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, as well as his public statements questioning Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Mamdani has also faced scrutiny over reports that he identified as African American on a college application, despite being born in Uganda and having Indian heritage.
This group does songs for different holidays. They just look like that. He even posted one for Christmas https://t.co/8v2twmIykn
— Ashleyy (@dontsippy) July 5, 2025
Mamdani officially secured the Democratic primary for New York City mayor on June 24, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates in the race.
