"We traveled yesterday to light Hanukkah menorahs with Jews, to bring Jewish light to their homes. We met Jews from all walks of life and, after several hours, went down to the subway to the World Chabad Center. During the transfer between Line 4 and Line 3, a father and son were present. The father began attacking and cursing the boy, who appeared to be around bar mitzvah age. There were about eight of us boys, and I naively thought this was a mentally disturbed person."

He continued: "We entered the car together with him, and then he began shouting anti-Jewish slurs and making threatening gestures toward the boys and toward me. I started recording his actions, and then his son, who was standing in front of me and hadn't done anything, began attacking me, taking my phone, making gun signs at my head, and told me, 'If you don't give me your phone now, I will kill you.'"

Video: The incident on the subway / Credit: Mandy Azraf

Later, Mandy recounted that one of the boys tried to help him, but "the father of the boy who attacked me grabbed the boy by the throat and pressed him against a pole in the car. The moment the doors opened, we immediately fled, even though it wasn't the station we were supposed to get off at."

He pointed out that he received almost no assistance from the other passengers who witnessed the entire incident: "It was a difficult incident because no one tried to intervene and stop it. But the moment something physical started happening, two people tried to stop it, but most of the people in the car didn't do anything."

These assailants need to be found and arrested before they take another subway ride.

The assault on Jews happened on the 3 train in NYC which runs from Harlem to Brooklyn. https://t.co/vx48mPDcSB pic.twitter.com/AncGkdm5he

— Marina Medvin (@MarinaMedvin) December 16, 2025

Mandy and his friends, who were with him, filed a police complaint shortly after the antisemitic attack: "I sent the videos to an officer on WhatsApp, and they said they would check it. Today we gave testimony at the police station, they had us sign forms, and showed us pictures of the suspects. According to what we understood, the officers know their identities but haven't caught them yet."

Against the backdrop of the shocking massacre in Australia, Azraf warned about the rise in antisemitism also in New York and pointed an accusing finger at newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani: "Yesterday the mayor of New York visited The Ohel [memorial site for Chabad leader] because of the attack in Sydney, but regarding what's happening in the New York subway, he's not protecting Jewish security and isn't condemning the incident."

Looking ahead, Mandy refused to bow his head: "It seems antisemitic incidents are starting to intensify. We're trying to protect ourselves, but it's clear we won't hide Jewish symbols. We'll continue to illuminate the darkness that's trying to prevent us from doing what we need to do."

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The list includes fashion stars who deliver memorable fashion moments, such as Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, Jacob Elordi, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and others.

"We compiled an unranked list of around 50 extremely fashionable characters from 2025, rounding up actors, models, musicians, politicians, dancers, gallerists, and more who dressed in ways that made us take notice," the magazine opened. "Our criteria were subjective, our judges all Vogue editors, and the list took shape through many meetings and debates," Vogue wrote.

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"We drew in red carpet risk-takers and street style peacocks, but also an accessories-forward politician and a stylish ballerina about town. When we found that we couldn't stop at just 50, we settled on an unranked 55," the magazine wrote.

Surprisingly, alongside the well-known style-filled celebrities, models, and fashion icons everyone knows, Vogue added people we wouldn't think of in the context of fashion, such as Pope Leo XIV and Rama  Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Michelle Obama also starred on the list.

Anna Wintour, former editor-in-chief of American Vogue and global content director of the Condé Nast group (the corporation that owns Vogue), often mixes politics, which apparently led to her selection as New York's first lady.

Duwaji, a Syrian-American artist, wore a jacquard shirt by Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi on the most recent election night, which Vogue magazine called New York's first lady's best outfit of the year. This fact highlights Dawaji's political support for Palestinians, mirroring her husband's stance.

Another interesting entry that surprised us was Pope Leo XIV, whom the magazine defined as "breaking with the humble tastes of his predecessor, Pope Francis—but keeping his tailor and maintaining the papal legacy for fine-fitting liturgical vestments." The pope even entered The New York Times' best-dressed list.

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Instead of condemning the mob for targeting a modern Orthodox synagogue, Mamdani's spokesperson, Dora Pekec, said, "He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation," and added, "And that these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law."

For a long time, I did not want to speak over Jewish New Yorkers who now have to live with a mayor who cannot condemn phrases like "Globalize The Intifada." But I am tired of seeing bad-faith actors tell the worried Jewish community that their concerns are exaggerated, misinformed, or rooted in bad faith. Instead of confronting a record of statements and alliances that alarm many Jews, Mamdani and his defenders have chosen to tokenize Jewish voters and gaslight the community.

Mamdani's defenders often point to the fact that a significant portion of Jewish New Yorkers voted for him, claiming this proves he cannot be antisemitic and that all allegations are about his stance on Israel. However, no poll accurately measures Jewish support. Most cite a CNN exit poll showing 31 percent support among 710 Jewish respondents, without methodology or margin of error disclosed.

Another poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, found only 16 percent of Jewish voters supported Mamdani, and 75 percent viewed him unfavorably.

The real problem is not which poll is correct. It is the instrumentalization of Jews. Invoking Jewish voters when convenient and dismissing Jewish fears when inconvenient treats Jews not as a community with legitimate safety concerns, but as a rhetorical shield.

If Mamdani wanted to reassure Jewish New Yorkers, his transition team selections did the opposite. Among the 400 appointees are several with documented histories of anti-Israel extremism or remarks crossing into antisemitism.

Elle Bisgaard-Church, appointed as Chief of Staff, has deep ties to the Democratic Socialists of America, an anti-Israel movement known for supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.

Waleed Shahid, on the Committee on Community Organizing, wrote on October 7, while Israelis were still being murdered, that Hamas' massacre was a "byproduct of Israel's violent policies." Contextualizing Jewish suffering in real time is not neutral; it is a moral failing.

Jenna Hamed, on the Arts and Culture Committee, wrote six days after the massacre that she "reaffirm[s]" her people "for all measures taken toward life and liberation" and that "freeing Palestine" requires the "obliteration of all borders." Given the context, this endorses violence and implies rejection of Israel's right to exist.

Tamika Mallory, on the Community Safety Committee, has refused to condemn Louis Farrakhan, suggested Jews oppress people of color, and resigned from the Women's March in 2019 amid accusations of antisemitism. Elevating her to a role in community safety sends a chilling message about whose safety matters.

These appointments are not incidental. They reflect a worldview that many Jewish New Yorkers already find alarming. Asking them to ignore that worldview because some voted for Mamdani is insulting.

Jewish New Yorkers are not imagining things. They are responding to explicit statements, documented histories, and public choices made by their incoming mayor. Their concerns cannot be dismissed with selective polling or accusations of hysteria.

If Mamdani wants to be a mayor for all New Yorkers, he must begin by acknowledging the legitimacy of Jewish concerns, not minimizing or manipulating them. He must be honest about the implications of his record and the rhetoric of those he elevates. Above all, he must stop allowing Jewish voters to be reduced to a talking point in the service of a political narrative.

Gaslighting is not leadership. Tokenization is not inclusion.

Jewish New Yorkers deserve better than both.

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The catalog features terms that news broadcasters, political officials, and prominent individuals struggled to articulate correctly throughout the year, AP reported. The compilation provides insight into people and subjects that dominated American discourse in 2025.

Mamdani's surname was frequently distorted as the democratic socialist rose politically, according to the Associated Press. The 34-year-old will make history in January as the city's first Muslim mayor, first leader born in Africa, and first of South Asian descent. Babbel indicated the correct pronunciation is zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee, with speakers most commonly switching the "M" and "N" in his family name.

The mayor-elect previously stated that he accepts mispronunciations from those genuinely attempting accuracy but recognizes when others deliberately distort his name, AP reported. During one mayoral debate, he confronted former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo over the pronunciation issue, declaring, "The name is Mamdani. M-A-M-D-A-N-I."

October's theft of France's royal jewels from the Louvre prompted widespread mispronunciation of the globe's most-visited museum, according to Associated Press. Babbel specifies the correct pronunciation as LOOV-ruh, featuring an extremely gentle "ruh" sound that can be difficult for English-speaking individuals.

Additional entries on the compilation include the following, AP reported: Acetaminophen, the primary component in Tylenol, is pronounced "uh-SEE-tuh-MIH-nuh-fen," according to Associated Press. President Donald Trump provided entertainment material when he stumbled over the term while urging expectant mothers to avoid the pain reliever despite inconclusive research regarding potential autism connections.

Alex Murdaugh, the distinguished South Carolina lawyer sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2021 fatal shootings of his spouse and son, should be pronounced AL-ick MUR-dock, AP reported. A Hulu series dramatized the case in 2025.

Mounjaro, articulated as mown-JAHR-OH, belongs to a category of diabetes and obesity medications that gained massive popularity due to weight reduction achieved by users receiving the injections, according to Associated Press.

Multiple terms on the US compilation, including Louvre and Mounjaro, also appeared on the UK list assembled by Babbel and the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, an organization representing subtitling professionals, AP reported. Storm Éowyn, which struck Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland in January, placed that designation on the UK roster. Babbel indicates the proper pronunciation as ay-OH-win, delivered in a three-beat rhythm.

Captioners document words that emerge repeatedly as challenging to pronounce, spell, or are newly developing throughout the year, according to Associated Press. Babbel linguists simultaneously monitor fresh pronunciation difficulties they observe.

An unexpected pronunciation revelation emerged when actor Denzel Washington informed late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel that he received his father's name and their given names actually sound like DEN-zul, AP reported. However, he noted that the arrangement created confusion, prompting his mother to adopt the pronunciation Den-ZELLE for her son's name.

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At the center of attention stands the meeting President Donald Trump and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held over the weekend. The meeting, which became a publicized and jarring political event, marked the beginning of a new era in the city – an accelerated governmental transition process, a tense security and social agenda, and especially a sense of uncertainty regarding the Jewish community's status in a reality where antisemitism is raising its head across nearly all of America.

Alongside personal interviews, extensive discussions will also take place on the intensification of antisemitism, the future of American Jewry, the cost of war, the hostage struggle, Israel's standing in the international arena, and the day after the Iron Swords war.

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The two men, once fierce rivals who traded personal attacks during the mayoral campaign, appeared unexpectedly cordial and even friendly as they discussed the city's cost of living crisis and potential cooperation between City Hall and the White House.

The conciliatory tone surprised many, particularly in light of their past clashes. Trump, who previously branded Mamdani a "communist," described him after the meeting as "a very rational person" and expressed hope that Mamdani would "do a very good job" as mayor. Mamdani, for his part, emphasized that the conversation focused on "our shared love and appreciation for New York" and the urgent need to address the city's affordability crisis.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, one of the Republican Party's rising stars and a declared candidate for New York governor in 2026, made clear her disapproval. In a post on X, she doubled down on calling Mamdani a "jihadist" and signaled that she and Trump would "have to agree to disagree," after the president refused to adopt her label.

Her rival, incumbent New York Governor Kathy Hochul, welcomed the very fact of the meeting. In her own post on X, she said she appreciated "Trump's renewed commitment to New York's success" and pledged to work with both the president and the incoming mayor when it benefits state residents, "but I will fight back whenever our values are at risk," she added.

Former Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa accused both men of deceiving the public for the past eight months with staged confrontations, only to present a sudden display of unity. He pointed to the pair's previous exchange of insults, as well as Trump's threats to cut billions in federal aid to the city, calling the meeting "a phony kumbaya charade."

Still, some Republican voices struck a more optimistic note. Vice President JD Vance, who attended the Oval Office meeting, praised the interaction, calling it "one of the president's all-time great moments." He was referring to a lighter moment when Trump jokingly asked Mamdani whether he still viewed him as a fascist. Smiling, Mamdani replied, "It's okay, you can just say yes."

Media coverage largely agreed on the unprecedented nature of the encounter. The New York Times likened the event to a buddy movie tinged with the surreal, calling it a "bromance" between bitter enemies. The New York Post opted for a more sensational tone, describing the scene as a media spectacle.

CNN took a more analytical approach, calling it "a strangely friendly meeting" and noting that the focus on cost of living and economic accessibility allowed the two to temporarily sidestep their ideological divide. Fox News, meanwhile, portrayed the meeting as a win for Trump and proof of the president's pragmatism.

Israel Hayom Summit

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom will launch the Israel Hayom Summit on December 2 at the Hilton Midtown in New York. The event will be hosted by journalist Yoav Limor along with Israel Hayom reporters and commentators, and will feature Dr. Miriam Adelson and tech entrepreneur Yasmin Lukatz.

The gathering seeks to forge bridges of connection and trust linking Israel with Diaspora Jewry, businesses with the US administration, and classical Zionism with the emerging landscape of technology, economics, and global communications. The summit will spotlight the period's central questions – how to build the day after the war, what role the American Jewry plays in shaping Israel's future, and how to preserve mutual responsibility and shared values connecting the Jewish people across the ocean.

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Two days earlier, Mamdani confirmed that his team had indeed reached out to the White House "to fulfill the commitment I made to New Yorkers during the campaign, a commitment that I am willing to meet with anyone and everyone, as long as doing so benefits the eight and a half million people who call this city home and helps address the affordability crisis that is pushing so many of them out."

Throughout Mamdani's campaign, animosity flared between them. Trump called him a "100% communist lunatic" and even threatened to cut off federal funding to the city if Mamdani won.

In his fiery victory speech, Mamdani addressed Trump directly after being targeted by him throughout the campaign. "Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up," Mamdani said. He added that New York "will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants and powered by immigrants, and as of tonight it will be led by an immigrant," concluding with a warning: "To get to one of us, you will have to go through all of us."

In response, Trump warned Mamdani against taking a confrontational approach toward his administration. "He has to be a little more respectful toward Washington, because if not, he has no chance to succeed. I want the city to succeed, not for him to succeed," Trump said.

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom will launch the Israel Hayom Summit on December 2 at the Hilton Midtown in New York. The event will be hosted by journalist Yoav Limor along with Israel Hayom reporters and commentators, and will feature Dr. Miriam Adelson and tech entrepreneur Yasmin Lukatz.

The conference aims to serve as a bridge of connection and trust between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, between business leaders and the US government, and between classic Zionism and the world of technology, economics and communications.

The post A fresh start? Trump and Mamdani to meet at the White House appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

In February 2012 correspondence with Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi, Chaudhary posted, "Hitler..why don't you face our Pakistani people? Your daughter works at WSJ [the Wall Street Journal]," followed by the Urdu phrase "oh forgot that Jew hoga tera baap" — meaning roughly "Jew will be your father." Additional messages showed him celebrating Ahmadinejad while writing, "This banda [person] is fearless RT "@murtazasolangi President Ahmedinejad has declared Israel as cancer which will be eliminated very soon," to Pakistani official Murtaza Solangi. His November 2012 posts included, "There is a barbaric nation who's killing indigents and innocent Palestinians called ISRAEL. TALK about it. #stupid media," and he questioned LGBTQ rights by posting, "@SaifsDen I too read a piece on Gay rights. To be honest, it is purely claptrap. Doesn't make sense. Boundary line should be drawn somewhere."

Chaudhary, now 31, apologized Sunday to The New York Post, stating: "I apologize for my tweets, as they do not reflect my current views, or represent who I am today," and, "Those comments from over a decade ago are not in line with how I see the world, and I look back at that rhetoric and mindset with deep regret." Jewish activists condemned the statements, with former Brooklyn assemblyman Dov Hikind of Americans Against Antisemitism declaring, "This is Adolf Hitler language. It's antisemitic. It's a horror show," and blaming Mamdani, who supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement (BDS) against Israel. Hikind stated, "The fish stinks from the head. Mamdani sets the tone. It's a hate-filled administration." Political consultant and rabbi Hank Sheinkopf emphasized "words matter," warning, "This advisor to the mayor is clearly by his own words a Jew hater," and asking, "The only issue: it always begins with the Jews but never ends with the Jews. Who's next on the list?"

A Mamdani transition representative condemned Chaudhary's language while clarifying he serves as Muslim outreach director rather than political director, with spokesperson Dora Pekec stating: "These comments from over a decade ago are reprehensible and in no way reflect the views of the Mayor-elect or this transition. The mayor elect has made this clear internally and consistently during the campaign and transition." The spokesperson didn't signal that Chaudhury would be dismissed for the past inflammatory remarks. His previous roles included serving as a senior community organizer for Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and as a digital organizer for the Working Families Party.

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Speaking while visiting Israel in recent days, Adams said in a special interview with Israel Hayom: "I believe the prime minister should visit the city. I think he should start with the inauguration ceremony of Mamdani in the presence of the City Council on January 1 to send a strong message to the largest Jewish community outside Israel. He needs to make clear to the entire community that he will continue visiting the city as often as possible, and he should begin on January 1."

Adams arrived in Israel for a farewell visit after leaving an office he had held since January 2022. He did not run directly against Zohran Mamdani, withdrawing from the race earlier in order to bolster Andrew Cuomo's chances. That move failed and Mamdani, who took explicit antisemitic positions, ultimately won. Adams, who strengthened ties between New York and Israel during his four years in office and enjoyed strong support from the Jewish community, made clear in the phone interview that he intends to continue along the same path.

What future do you see for ties between New York and Israel in the coming years?

"I think many of us are disappointed by the election results," Adams said. "But we must not in any way allow the energy coming from the victory of the Democratic Socialists of America and Zohran to do anything that damages the atmosphere for Jewish New Yorkers or the relationship between Israel and the city. Mamdani has already declared that he intends to advance several initiatives such as canceling the IRA definition of antisemitism as well as the possibility that he will shut down our Office for the Prevention of Antisemitism."

Adams added: "In response, we will call on New Yorkers to stand up and declare clearly that hatred has no place in our city. We will remain vigilant. I will no longer be mayor, but I am not going anywhere. I intend to continue the work I have done for many years surrounding issues of hate in general and antisemitism in particular."

How will New York be affected if he does what he says he will do, such as severing all ties with Israel and with Israeli institutions like the Technion, which has a branch in New York?

"Mayor, not emperor", Adams said. "He must work with additional government authorities to implement many of the decisions and policies he has announced. As far as I understand, the investment comptroller has made clear he does not intend to withdraw our pension funds from Israeli companies or funds. Other members of Mamdani's administration do not support these moves. He will therefore have to navigate the role of mayor while coordinating with other layers of government.

What concerns Adams even more is the atmosphere Mamdani may create as mayor. "Does a mayor create an environment where one group is treated differently from others? Will he ignore the annual Israel Parade? Will he treat certain New Yorkers, or their way of life, differently? To that I say no. That is not New York. We must stand up and ensure that does not happen."

In this context, what should Israel and the Jewish community in New York do in response to Mamdani? Some Jews say they will leave the city. Some are buying weapons. Should the Jewish community consider leaving? 

"History has not been kind when it comes to attacks on the Jewish people, from the days of Moses to what we saw in Spain under Christopher Columbus, to the ghettos in Rome and Nazi Germany", Adams said, delivering a pointed message. "I think the time has come to say we are not going to run. We are going to fight. This must be a generation that confronts hatred. I am asking New Yorkers to join me as I take a firm stand and declare that we will not surrender to hate. And I am asking all Jewish New Yorkers to do the same."

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New York City's Jewish population has initiated a firearms acquisition surge in response to anti-Israel mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory, with gun retailers and training instructors experiencing unprecedented demand, The New York Post reported. Michael Bergida, proprietor of the recently established Samson Armory in Marine Park, Brooklyn – named after the biblical Israelite warrior – serves customers ranging from anxious elderly individuals to frightened rabbis.

"We're probably the only gun store to have a minyan," the 30-year-old Orthodox owner stated, referring to Jewish prayer gatherings at his thriving business. Bergida forecasted "chaos" during the approaching radical socialist administration, explaining, "The NYPD is all retiring – we have to fight for ourselves. People are freaking out over Mamdani – anyone who has any Christian-Judeo values," while asserting "We have to let everyone know — don't f**k with the Jews" and "Never again." As an NRA-certified firearms instructor, his mission involves preparing synagogues "to have active shooter situations and be prepared," noting "It's like doomsday prepping – people are loading up ammo" and "I have a passion to prep Jews," according to The New York Post. Declaring "We ain't fleeing— we're here to stay. We're not victims anymore," Bergida exemplifies the community's determination.

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