Mayor Mamdani Blamed for Central Synagogue Attack Despite Attacker's Pro-Israel Stance
Following an attack at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, where Larry Montes, 46, was charged with hate crimes for disrupting a Shabbat service, striking a congregant, and spitting on a security guard, some online influencers and critics have attributed the incident to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rhetoric against Israel. Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York, posted on X that the attack was a 'direct result of Mayor Mamdani’s sustained campaign of incitement.' However, details emerging about Montes complicate this conclusion. A Forward analysis of Montes's social media and statements from his family indicate he was a pro-Israel Republican who desired to convert to Judaism. Montes had previously reposted videos critical of Mamdani and expressed pro-Israel sentiments. After his arrest, Montes reportedly called the congregants 'fake Jews,' suggesting a possible prejudice against Reform Judaism. Mental health issues may also have played a role, as Montes had a history of arrests for violent robberies and w... 
