New York's new mayor is being pressed over claims that Jewish residents feel less safe under him, and the pushback argues the fear is being used as political cover for Israel — a sharp, hostile fight with no middle ground.

• Mamdani was challenged directly with the claim that many Jewish New Yorkers no longer feel safe since his election.
• Critics of that framing call it propaganda, saying safety fears are being invoked to shield Israel's war conduct from criticism.
• The counter-argument ties the "safety" language to demands for continued US support for Israel's military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Syria.
• The exchange shows how far the Democratic coalition has split over Israel, with little appetite on either side for compromise.

Outlook: Expect this clash to shadow Mamdani's early months in office as both sides escalate rather than negotiate.