The political climate in New York City has been charged with tension as Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic socialist nominee for the mayoral race, comes under scrutiny. A series of videos from a 2022 panel hosted by the Asia Society has surfaced, showing his father, Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, making contentious remarks about American history's influence on Nazi ideology, particularly Adolf Hitler's Holocaust plans. The videos, which have sparked a renewed examination of the mayoral candidate's ideological stance, could influence the city's political landscape and voter sentiment.
In the videos, Professor Mahmood Mamdani claimed that policies during Abraham Lincoln's presidency had inspired the Nazis. He stated, "With the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln generalized the solution of reservations, they herded American Indians into separate territories," suggesting that this was a model for Hitler. The professor went on to assert that Hitler learned from the U.S. that "genocide is doable" and that common citizenship was not necessary for such acts. Expanding on this contentious historical perspective, Mamdani also claimed that the Nazi Nuremberg Laws were "patterned after American laws."
The situation is further complicated by the professor's comparison of the postwar actions of Allied forces to Nazi policies, which he described as efforts to create "pure" nations by removing minorities. These remarks have resonated through social media and news outlets, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such analogies.
Zohran Mamdani, who has not publicly addressed the videos, is currently in the spotlight following his surprising primary victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. His rise in name recognition brings his background, including the influence of his parents, into focus. The New York Times profiled Mamdani, highlighting a "privileged" upbringing steeped in political discussion and international affairs, molded by his parents' worldviews.
Critics argue that Mamdani's ideological lineage is relevant given his policy proposals and rhetoric. At a 2021 Young Democratic Socialists of America conference, he urged attendees not to compromise on "seizing the means of production." Furthermore, he advocated for the "de-commodification" of housing, proposing a shift toward co-op housing and communal living spaces as a solution to the housing crisis.
Mahmood Mamdani's academic work has also attracted attention. In discussions of his book "Good Muslim, Bad Muslim," he has questioned the label "suicide bomber," drawing parallels between such individuals and soldiers. His comments have been cited in academic writings, including a claim that Israel represents "the logical conclusion of Nazism."
As the NYC mayoral race intensifies, Zohran Mamdani's political history and familial ties are expected to face increased scrutiny. Supporters defend him as a principled progressive, while opponents view his record and rhetoric as signs of ideological extremism beyond the political mainstream.
