Latest news with #StopAntisemitism
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'This is sick': Jewish advocacy group slams Zohran Mamdani for sharing video mocking Hanukkah
Zohran Mamdani has been accused of mocking Hannukah. Stop Antisemitism, the Jewish advocacy group, blasted Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani for sharing a video mocking Hanukkah. The video was shared last year but it went viral as Mamdani is dominating headlines after his surprise victory in the primary. Some false claims were made over the video saying Mamdani, who was a rapper before his plunge into politics, was featured in the video. But he was not in the video and shared it on Hanukkah. Mamdani had posted the video in December 2024, adding the caption, "Happy 3rd night of Hanukkah from Astoria and Long Island City." The video originates from the 2015 parody album "Punjabi Christmas Album Hits" from the Geeta Brothers, a side project of Sikh-Canadian musician and comedian Jus Reign. Mamdani posted another video from the same album on Christmas Eve, this one based on "Jingle Bells." "Wishing you all a very merry Christmas from Astoria and Long Island City," he wrote at the time. — StopAntisemites (@StopAntisemites) "Zohran Mamdani posts Indian men cosplaying Jews, spinning dreidels and lighting the menorah," Stop Antisemitism wrote in a statement on X. "Our holidays and traditions are sacred and not for your comedic pleasure, Zohran Mamdani – this is sick," the group added, tagging the mayoral candidate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Mamdani has been accused of antisemitism during his campaign as well as he refused several times to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. During a primary debate, he said he believed Israel has a right to exist. "As a Jewish state?" he was asked. "As a state with equal rights," Mamdani said. "I'm not comfortable supporting any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion or anything else," he explained later. StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez said last week that electing Mamdani mayor would not only be "catastrophic" for Jewish residents, but all who reside in the city. "If Zohran Mamdani was elected as mayor, it would be hands down catastrophic for Jewish residents of New York City," Rez said. "And we would even take it a step further where citizens of New York City in general, due to his very troubling stances on socialism, would greatly suffer as well."
Fox News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Jewish group slams Democratic NYC mayoral hopeful over 'sick' mockery of 'sacred' traditions
A Jewish advocacy group is blasting Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani for sharing a video mocking Hanukkah Jewish traditions on social media. The organization, Stop Antisemitism, says Mamdani posted the "sick" video to his X account last year. The video is originally from the Geeta Brothers Duet Group, a satirical and comedic duo who dressed themselves in stereotypical Jewish garb for the performance. "Zohran Mamdani posts Indian men cosplaying Jews, spinning dreidels and lighting the menorah," Stop Antisemitism wrote in a statement on X. "Our holidays and traditions are sacred and not for your comedic pleasure, Zohran Mamdani – this is sick," the group added, tagging the mayoral candidate. Mamdani had posted the video in December 2024, adding the caption, "Happy 3rd night of Hanukkah from Astoria and Long Island City." The video originates from the 2015 parody album "Punjabi Christmas Album Hits" from the Geeta Brothers. Mamdani posted another video from the same album on Christmas Eve, this one based on "Jingle Bells." "Wishing you all a very merry Christmas from Astoria and Long Island City," he wrote at the time. Mamdani's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Accusations of antisemitism have harried Mamdani's campaign from its outset. The self-proclaimed democratic socialist has refused multiple times to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, and he has supported the BDS movement against Israel. "I believe Israel has a right to exist," he said during a mayoral primary debate in June. "As a Jewish state?" the moderator pressed. "As a state with equal rights," Mamdani said. He later elaborated on his opposition to Israel being a Jewish state in an interview with Fox 5. "I'm not comfortable supporting any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion or anything else," he said. Mamdani, a Muslim, has also faced criticism for refusing to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez argued last week that electing Mamdani mayor would not only be "catastrophic" for Jewish residents, but all who reside in the city. "If Zohran Mamdani was elected as mayor, it would be hands down catastrophic for Jewish residents of New York City," Rez told Fox News Digital. "And we would even take it a step further where citizens of New York City in general, due to his very troubling stances on socialism, would greatly suffer as well." "I think individuals who are concerned that Zohran Mamdani is antisemitic have every single right to be concerned considering his past behavior," Rez added. "We can list dozens of examples of his past antisemitic adjacent and direct antisemitic actions."
Fox News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
StopAntisemitism founder warns Mamdani as NYC mayor would be 'catastrophic' for residents
StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez said electing Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor would not only be "catastrophic" for Jewish residents, but all who reside in the city. "If Zohran Mamdani was elected as mayor, it would be hands down catastrophic for Jewish residents of New York City," Rez told Fox News Digital. "And we would even take it a step further where citizens of New York City in general, due to his very troubling stances on socialism, would greatly suffer as well." Mamdani has recently faced backlash from several Democrats and members of the press for refusing to condemn the anti-Israel slogan "globalize the intifada" — a phrase which Rez described as a call for violence against Jewish people. Rez, who founded StopAntisemitism in 2018 to expose antisemites and hold them accountable, also raised concerns that Mamdani has reportedly taken part in protests against Israel in the past and has "been friendly with radical antisemites." "I think individuals who are concerned that Zohran Mamdani is antisemitic have every single right to be concerned considering his past behavior," Rez said. "… We can list dozens of examples of his past antisemitic adjacent and direct antisemitic actions." Mamdani, the 33-year-old New York state assembly member, has been an outspoken critic of Israel and has even vowed to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visits New York City. In mid-June, when asked on a podcast about phrases like "from the river to the sea" and "globalize the intifada," Mamdani responded, "I know people for whom those things mean very different things, and to me, ultimately, what I hear in so many, is a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights." President Donald Trump blasted Mamdani on Tuesday and threatened to arrest the New York State assemblyman should he fail to comply with federal immigration officials. "Well, then we'll have to arrest him," Trump told reporters Tuesday. "Look, we don't need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I'm going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money, we send him all the things that he needs to run a government." Mamdani did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
International Business Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
US Visas of British Punk-Rappers Bob Vylan Revoked After Chanting 'Death to IDF' and 'Free Palestine' During Glastonbury Music Festival
The US government revoked the visas of British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan on Monday after their antisemitic "hateful tirade" as they shouted "death to the IDF" during their performance at Glastonbury. Bob Vylan sparked outrage at the largest music festival in UK by leading a sick chant as crowd waved Palestinian flags and called for the deaths of Israeli soldiers. British authorities and the US government have now launched an investigation the punk-rock duo—vocalist Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, and drummer Bobbie Vylan—over the incident. The pair were scheduled to open for American-Canadian artist Grandson on his U.S. tour starting in Spokane, Washington this October. Banned from the US However, the U.S. State Department has stepped in to block their entry into the country. "The State Department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants," Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a post on X on Monday. "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country." The London-based duo tried to rally the crowd with chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF," during their performance at the iconic Glastonbury music festival on Saturday. While Bob Vylan's performance included a verbal attack on the Israeli military, the group Kneecap led chants slamming British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also voiced strong opposition to Israel. "We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognize the strength of public feeling. There is absolutely no place in society for hate," police said in a statement. Outright Protest Campaign groups such as Stop Antisemitism, along with several Republican lawmakers, had been calling for their visas to be revoked. "Bob Vylan called for the death of the IDF yesterday at Glastonbury," Stop Antisemitism wrote on X before the State Department intervened. "He's coming to the U.S. this fall as part of the Inertia Tour. This antisemite must have his visa denied/rescinded - his hate is not welcome here." Florida Representative Randy Fine, a Republican known for his strong support of Israel, replied to the post with the words "on it." Senator Ted Cruz, also a Republican, reposted a video on X showing Bob Vylan leading chants of "free Palestine" and "death to the IDF" at Glastonbury, denouncing the act as "sick." "Truly sick. Thousands of people screaming 'Death to the IDF.' This is the base of the Democrat Party," the Texas representative wrote. However, Bob Vylan's vocalist, 34-year-old Pascal Robinson-Foster, stood by his remarks, posting on Instagram Sunday: "I said what I said." The BBC, which broadcasts the festival live, admitted that it should have ended the livestream of Bob Vylan's performance once the offensive chants began. The public broadcaster had displayed an on-screen warning during the set but admitted that stronger action should have been taken. "The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves," the BBC said in a statement. "The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen."
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
US revokes visas for British rock duo after 'death to IDF' chants
A British rock band have had their American visas revoked, meaning they can no longer tour in the US, after they shouted 'death to the IDF' at a festival on Saturday. Bob Vylan led the sick chant at Glastonbury, the UK's biggest music festival, as crowds waved Palestine flags and joined the call for the deaths of Israeli soldiers. British police are investigating the rock-punk duo - singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, and drummer Bobbie Vylan - over the incident. They were scheduled to support American-Canadian singer Grandson on his tour starting in Spokane, Washington in October, but the US Department of State has intervened to prevent them entering the country. 'The State Department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants,' US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on Monday. 'Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.' Campaign groups including Stop Antisemitism and a handful of Republican politicians had been calling for their visas to be revoked. 'Bob Vylan called for the death of the IDF yesterday at Glastonbury,' Stop Antisemitism wrote on X before the State Department intervened. 'He's coming to the U.S. this fall as part of the Inertia Tour. This antisemite must have his visa denied/rescinded - his hate is not welcome here.' Florida Congressman Randy Fine, a Republican known for his pro-Israel views , responded to the post saying 'on it'. Republican Senator Ted Cruz also shared a video of Bob Vylan leading 'free Palestine' and 'death to the IDF' chants at Glastonbury on X, condemning it as 'sick'. 'Truly sick. Thousands of people screaming 'Death to the IDF.' This is the base of the Democrat Party,' the Texas representative wrote. But Bob Vylan singer, Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, doubled down on his comments, writing on Instagram on Sunday: 'I said what I said'. Robinson-Foster said his phone had been 'buzzing non stop' with 'messages of both support and hatred' in the aftermath of his performance. He added: 'As I lay in bed this morning, my phone buzzing non stop, inundated with messages of both support and hatred, I listen to my daughter typing out loud as she fills out a school survey asking for her feedback on the current state of her school dinners. 'She expressed that she would like healthier meals, more options and dishes inspired by other parts of the world. 'Listening to her voice her opinions on a matter that she cares about and affects her daily, reminds me that we may not be doomed after all. 'Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place. 'As we grow older and our fire possibly starts to dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us. 'Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to do when we want and need change. 'Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organizing online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered. 'Today it is a change in school dinners, tomorrow it is a change in foreign policy.' Bob Vylan formed in their hometown of Ipswich, England, in 2017 and have since gone on to release five albums including 2020 debut We Live Here. The frontman previously spoke about their struggles to get the first album cleared, describing it as being too 'extreme' for some in the music industry. He told the website Louder: 'It was hard to get it released the conventional way - but it was in our power to release it.' Lyrics on their tracks include saying on Britain Makes Me Violent how there is 'nothing great' about Great Britain, while on Reign the frontman declares: 'Got a message for the thieves in the palace, we want the jewels back.' Touching on the subject of housing in London, their song GYAG states: 'Landlord just raised your rent - mate, get yourself a gun.' As well as tackling subjects such as racism, homophobia, capitalism and toxic masculinity, the duo have also made a big deal about the importance of fatherhood. The singer known as Bobby Vylan has said his daughter gave their debut album We Live Here its name and she also featured on the cover of their single Dream Big. Bob Vylan's entire performance on Saturday afternoon at Glastonbury was live-streamed on the BBC iPlayer but it has since been taken down. Nevertheless, the corporation was lambasted for failing to cut the broadcast immediately after the 'anti-Israel' chanting. The live-stream continued for another 40 minutes until the end of Bob Vylan's performance. Avon and Somerset Police said video evidence from the performances would be assessed by officers to determine whether any offenses may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation. Glastonbury festival organizer Emily Eavis has described Bob Vylan's chants as having 'very much crossed a line'. She said in a statement: 'We are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.'
