Democratic socialist mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani was accused of Italian-American “hate” after he called to tear down Christopher Columbus statues.
The Columbus Heritage Coalition — which includes 40 Italian-American groups — referenced a resurfaced 2020 Mamdani tweet showing him giving the middle finger to a Columbus statue in Astoria and declaring “take it down.”
“By now it should be obvious to all people of good will that Italian-Americans have zero tolerance for hate,” Angelo Vivolo, president of the coalition said in the scathing statement obtained by The Post. “So why does the Democratic candidate for mayor hate us and our heritage?
“For those who are late to this most recent outrage, candidate Zohran Mamdani is prominently and publicly expressing his hatred in a most crude and clear manner for all to see on social media.”
The statement accused Mamdani, a Queens Assemblyman and frontrunner to win the mayoralty in November, of insisting on his “right” to hate and those who disagree must bend to “his view of who we are.”
In recent years, the famous Italian explorer has come under fire for resorting to violence and slavery and the forced conversion of native peoples to Christianity during his voyages some five centuries ago.
Columbus Day, a federal holiday, is still widely celebrated across the US but each year, more and more municipalities are opting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead or at least, commemorate both occasions on the same day.
“Zohran Mamdani supports the destruction of memorials honoring the singular achievements of Christopher Columbus, and he supports terminating Columbus Day, a longtime national holiday,” Vivolo said.
“These are symbols that hold deep meaning for many, especially within the Italian-American community,” he went on. “His divisive rhetoric and polarizing ideology threaten to deepen the fractures in our city at a time when unity and pragmatic leadership are desperately needed.”
He also accused Mamdani — who supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel — of fueling the rise of antisemitism by refusing to denounce the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada” — a rallying cry many believe calls for violence against Jews.
Following criticism, Mamdani recently said he would “discourage” the use of the term.
“You may disagree with actions by countries,” Vivolo said. “But discrimination against people from those countries who live here is an entirely different matter. Our great and diverse city can only succeed if we are respectful and tolerant of racial, religious and ethnic differences.
“When you offend one ethnicity, one religion, one race, you offend all.”
The letter urges Mamdani to “drop the hate, retract his hurtful remarks, curb his divisive behavior and reach out to all constituencies.”
“If not, Italian-Americans and all informed, thoughtful voters will see the dangers of a Mamdani administration and instead rally behind a candidate committed to practical solutions, shared values, and a genuine desire to improve life for every New Yorker,” Vivolo said.
The Italian-American leaders met recently to discuss Mamdani’s opposition to honoring Columbus.
Mamdani’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mamdani convincingly won a ranked-choice Democratic Party primary in June but will still face In November Republican Curtis Sliwa as well as former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams, who are running as independents.
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