The president opened with a reference to the antisemitic attack that occurred during Hanukkah in Sydney, saying it was "an antisemitic attack, exactly what it is," and added that "all nations must stand together against the forces of radical Islamic terror." According to him, the US "joins in mourning the dead and prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded."

Trump then moved to sharp criticism of the American political system, warning of a profound shift in the balance of power. "The Jewish and Israeli lobby used to be the strongest in Washington. That's no longer the case. Today you have to be very careful," he said. According to him, "You have a Congress, especially the House of Representatives, that is becoming antisemitic," and added that there are members of Congress "who don't like Israel. They hate Israel." Trump noted that such a phenomenon would have been "unthinkable 15 years ago."

The president linked the growing antisemitism to the denial of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. "There are people who deny it even happened – just like they deny the Holocaust. This didn't happen many years ago; this happened now," he said. According to him, he himself was exposed to footage from the attack, and said, "I saw the tapes. I wish I hadn't seen them." Trump emphasized that his administration will not allow the spread of such phenomena, but called on Jews in the US to be vigilant.

During the event, Dr. Miriam Adelson, publisher of Israel Hayom, was invited to the stage. Trump noted that Adelson contributed to his campaign, "indirectly and directly, $250 million," and described her as "an amazing woman, with a wonderful husband, a man who loved Israel." Adelson, in turn, recalled that she came to the Knesset in October specifically "with a scooter... just to hear you, I wanted to hear you live." She later noted that she recently spoke with attorney Alan Dershowitz, who raised with her the legal thing about "four more years," referring to the possibility of a third term for President Trump.

The president then quipped about Adelson, suggesting she offered to give him "another $250 million" if he ran for a third term.

Later in his speech, Trump sent a clear threat to Hamas. "If Hamas plays games, they will be in big trouble," he said, emphasizing that his administration acted decisively to return all the hostages, both living and fallen, and responded to the call of the families of fallen hostages. According to him, this was an effort that even he thought was impossible, but was completed.

Toward the end, the president addressed the Jewish audience directly and said, "You are protected. You are a special people." He concluded with a symbolic message for the holiday. "The Hanukkah story reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness."

Earlier, during a Hanukkah reception at the White House, US President Donald Trump hosted the Neutra and Alexander families, the parents of late Captain Omer Neutra, killed while held hostage by Hamas, and Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander, who was released from Hamas captivity and re-enlisted in the IDF.

According to Ronen Neutra, Omer's father, "President Trump spoke about the release of the hostages with emphasis on the fallen and called us to the stage, where we emphasized that there is still a fallen hostage, Ran Gvili, who must be returned."

Full disclosure: The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom. Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom.

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UNRWA functions across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, delivering aid, schooling, medical services, social assistance, and housing to millions of Palestinians. The administration has accused the organization of Hamas ties, charges UNRWA has forcefully disputed.

Washington previously served as UNRWA's largest funder before halting contributions in January 2024 following Israeli claims that approximately a dozen UNRWA staff participated in the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas assault that ignited the Gaza conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently charged in October that the agency had evolved into "a subsidiary of Hamas," which America designated a terrorist organization in 1997.

Current American deliberations have not clarified whether the focus encompasses the entire agency or targets specific UNRWA officials or operational segments, and authorities appear undecided on the precise sanctions instrument they would employ, according to Reuters.

Potential measures State Department figures have explored include designating UNRWA a "foreign terrorist organization (FTO)," the sources indicated, though whether that option – which would severely isolate UNRWA financially – remains actively under consideration is uncertain.

Imposing terrorism-based sanctions on UNRWA would constitute a remarkable and extraordinary step, given America's UN membership and role as host nation for the United Nations, which established the agency in 1949.

William Deere, who leads UNRWA's Washington office, stated the organization would be "disappointed" if American authorities were genuinely exploring an FTO designation. He termed such action "both unprecedented and unwarranted."

"Since January 2024, four independent entities have investigated UNRWA's neutrality including the US National Intelligence Council. While occurring at different times and from different perspectives, they have all come to the same conclusion: UNRWA is an indispensable, neutral, humanitarian actor," Deere stated.

A State Department official responding to inquiries called UNRWA a "corrupt organization with a proven track record of aiding and abetting terrorists," according to the report. "Everything is on the table," the official stated. "No final decisions have yet been made."

State and other agencies possess multiple sanctions mechanisms, generally enabling asset freezes and travel restrictions aimed at specific individuals and entities. Numerous vital American allies provide UNRWA funding, prompting questions whether foreign officials could face penalties for supporting an organization if Washington sanctions UNRWA or its personnel on terrorism grounds.

The UN has stated nine UNRWA employees may have participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and were fired, according to the report. A Hamas commander in Lebanon – killed by Israel in September – was also discovered to have held a UNRWA position.

Individuals directly familiar with the UNRWA deliberations, who requested anonymity to reveal confidential discussions, privately voiced multiple humanitarian and legal apprehensions given the organization's unique role assisting displaced Palestinians.

Political appointees at State installed since Trump's term began have generally championed the drive to impose terrorism sanctions on UNRWA, the sources stated, according to the report. Numerous career State officials – including lawyers who craft designation language – have resisted, those sources added, Reuters reported.

In recent weeks, potential sanctions have been discussed by officials in State's Counterterrorism Bureau and Policy Planning Staff members, an influential internal policymaking entity, one source stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spent years calling for UNRWA's dismantlement, accusing it of anti-Israeli incitemen. Since January 30, Israel has banned UNRWA operations on Israeli territory.

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According to Boehler, his path to this role was not planned. It began years earlier, during a meeting between the first Trump administration and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I was sitting next to Robert O'Brien," Boehler recalls, "and I watched him ask the president of China to deliver two Bibles to two Chinese-American citizens being held captive in the country. I asked what this was about." O'Brien, who at the time served as the hostage envoy before becoming National Security Advisor, told him about the job. "Here was something that could have a real impact on people's lives, make a huge difference. It left an impression on me," Boehler says.

After four years in which, in his words, "US foreign policy, built painstakingly during the first Trump administration, steadily deteriorated under the Biden administration," the moment arrived when Trump again won the presidency. "It was a moment of great relief," he recounts. Shortly before the election, he found himself on a flight to the Republican National Convention (RNC). Sitting next to him was Morgan Ortagus, the former State Department spokesperson and now the deputy presidential envoy for the Middle East. "Morgan asked me what I wanted to do in the second term. I told her honestly that I hadn't thought about it. Then she said: 'Have you ever considered SPEHA?' I didn't even know that was the official name of O'Brien's job."

When the plane landed, he ran into O'Brien himself. "I asked him what he thought of me for such a role. He looked at me and said: 'That's a great idea. You already have the relationships – it's perfect for you.' As if it was something that was simply meant to be." Not long after, he sat with President Trump. "The president asked: 'What do you think about doing something broad in the Middle East, or something like that?'" Boehler recalls. "I answered that we already have excellent people working on the Middle East, and that the hostage issue is one of the most meaningful we have, because there are many Americans, many allies, and in this case Israelis as well, in captivity." The president liked the response. "'If that's what you want, no problem, I also think it's really important,' he said. And that was that."

He describes October 7 as a formative moment for him. "For some reason, I was awake late that night and saw the initial reports before anyone understood how terrible it was. I stayed up all night as things unfolded. Seeing October 7 as an American, as a Jew, it was devastating," he says plainly. "I felt frustrated, because I didn't think – and still don't think – that this would have happened under President Trump. When he won again, I couldn't sleep because I was so happy. I felt that finally we were going to do something about this. I didn't feel we were aggressive enough under the previous administration."

Boehler noted that during his meetings with the president, it was made clear that his mission would be far broader than the formal job description, which focuses on recovering Americans. "The president told me that all Israelis are included in my mandate," he says. "When I arrived for my first visit, I met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Each time I promised him that we would not stop until everyone was home." He adds: "This was deeply important to me, because for us, in the broad sense, as Jews – seeing what happened, growing up with the memory of what happened to us in the Shoah [the Holocaust], and then seeing a second Shoah… we must ensure that we act, that we don't forget the first, and now the second, and that from this pain some good may ultimately emerge," he says, referring to the regional changes underway in the Middle East as a result of the war, a region he describes as "completely transformed."

Several months into his role, one move he took triggered a major storm: a direct meeting with Hamas' negotiating team. In Israel, the step drew sharp criticism. "There was concern that we would offer something or make a deal without the Israelis," Boehler says, but insists on setting the record straight. "It's important to understand: nothing like this happens on my own authority," he emphasizes. "These things were widely coordinated with the White House." As for any possibility of bypassing Israel, he is unequivocal: "That is something we would never do. I don't make deals with currency. It was an Israeli decision what to offer." Asked what led him to take such a bold, unusual step, he answers without hesitation: "Time is a killer for hostages. When you operate only through intermediaries, it can take longer. While I'm sitting here, I'm thinking about hostages trapped somewhere, and it weighs on you. Talking to anyone, even Hamas, speeds up things."

It is worth mentioning that in later rounds of negotiations with Hamas, particularly the most recent one that produced a ceasefire and the return of the living and deceased hostages, both the President's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's close confidant and son-in-law Jared Kushner also engaged in direct contacts with the terror group's representatives.

When asked how he felt as a Jew meeting with Hamas operatives, Boehler said: "In my meetings with Hamas, or any other terrorist organization, I always remember that I am not there in a personal capacity, but representing my country. I try to stay focused on the goal, which is to secure the release of the hostages as soon as possible and ensure that they are never taken again. It also helps me emotionally to separate myself a bit; otherwise, I think I would be angry and upset all the time."

Boehler recounts how he kept a photo of one hostage, Edan Alexander, inside his notebook. "For me, it was a reminder that something could happen any day." He says the meeting with Hamas revealed something essential: "We wanted to understand what Hamas really wanted. And then it became clear in the talks that there was a possibility of a broad 'all-for-all' deal. People said it was impossible. But they weren't doing the math based on the reality that the president meant what he said. They weren't doing the math of the president and Bibi [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] having a strong view."

Regarding media claims at the time that the Gaza portfolio was taken away from him after the controversy, Boehler rejects them outright. "Those reports are wrong for two reasons: first, I never held the 'Gaza file' to begin with. Second, my portfolio is across the board, hostage affairs, and I continue working on bringing American and allied hostages home."

But Boehler prefers to focus on the results: first and foremost, the release of Edan Alexander. "It was a joint achievement of many: myself, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and other administration officials. And I was proud to be there, because when someone is freed, it is deeply moving." He describes the moments of a hostage's release as unlike anything else. He recalls being on the helicopter that brought Alexander back to Israel and describes a phenomenon he saw with him and with others who emerged from captivity: at first, their faces "do not look good," but within minutes of being in American hands, they suddenly come back to life." Boehler explains that this pattern repeated itself again and again: "We brought home 160 Americans and allies, and it's almost always the same. It's like a drug. You feel the presence of God in those moments."

He shares other experiences as well. "On Trump's inauguration day, we brought two people home from Afghanistan. I stood with the family of one of them at the inauguration ceremony; they were right behind the president," he says. "Later, around 11:30 p.m., we drove to their house. We woke up the wife and kids. I told them their father was in American hands, and then I connected them by phone. Seeing that moment, that gives you faith."

Another story he shares with emotion is that of Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped and held for two and a half years by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terror group in Iraq. Unlike other cases, Boehler chose a completely different approach: a public, sharp, and rare confrontation with the Iraqi prime minister. "In my first conversation with him, I received niceties and diplomatic talk, but no real commitment," he says. "I don't accept that on behalf of the president of the United States. It's insulting to the president. So I told him that directly."

The Iraqi response was swift. "It was as if they said: 'Okay, we didn't realize you were this serious.' And then they began to act." Boehler stresses that in return for Tsurkov's release, "I gave them nothing. We told Iraq: 'Let's work together, this is a burden for you. Fix that burden and let us help you.' And to their credit, the Iraqis responded. Some countries don't, and then, as the United States, we decide how to act. Holding Americans and allies hostage is a tremendous burden. And for those who choose this path, there are real consequences."

As a result of the efforts, Iraq released not only Tsurkov but also the remains of another American held there for years. "Just like in Israel, it is deeply important for families that if a family member has died, they can receive their loved one's remains; it means a lot."

When asked how many Americans are still held hostage abroad, Boehler answers: "Dozens. In Afghanistan, Russia, Iran." But he remains ambitious: "We will bring them all home. We will continue applying pressure until every American is home."

The conversation returns to the Israeli hostages. Of the 251 kidnapped on October 7, one Israeli hostage remains: Ran Gvili, recognized as deceased, who has not yet been returned to Israel. Boehler is asked how optimistic he is about bringing him home. "When we said 'everyone,' we meant every single one," he says. "We are committed to that."

Regarding the day after in Gaza, Boehler expresses cautious optimism. "I don't think you could ask for anyone better than Kushner, Witkoff, and the team working there. The president is committed, and that gives me great confidence." He adds, "It's incredibly hard, but no one knows how to navigate difficult situations like Jared Kushner. Everyone said the Abraham Accords were impossible. He proved otherwise. When everybody always reverts back to all the history, he looks at situations with original eyes."

In closing, Boehler offers an introspective reflection on the meaning of the role he has taken on. "I've heard every story, and these are things that are hard to hear. I see the worst of humanity." Yet alongside the pain, he emphasizes the light he sees as well: "But I also see the best of humanity. It reminds you that there is good in the world. I have never seen anything like it."

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The F-35 was developed as part of an international project that included several countries, among them Turkey, but it was removed from the program in 2019 after purchasing S-400 air defense systems from Russia. Since then, Turkey has been trying to return to the project and acquire the advanced aircraft for its aging fighter fleet.

Burke said in Abu Dhabi that the fact that the systems in question are not operationally active has eased some of the US concerns, but they remain in Ankara's possession, which makes resolving the issue difficult.

"I believe these issues will be resolved within four to six months," Burke was quoted as saying, and when asked whether Turkey is close to removing the Russian air defense system, he answered "yes." Since Trump returned to the White House, he has demonstrated close friendship with Erdoğan, despite growing tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem, which he promised to resolve.

Trump has expressed willingness to sell the advanced aircraft to Turkey, but during Erdoğan's visit to Washington in September, he said Erdoğan "will have to do something for us" to bring the deal to fruition.

Since its removal from the program, Turkey has been working on several parallel tracks to renew its fighter fleet: a deal to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Britain and Germany, purchasing new F-16 aircraft and upgrading existing ones, and developing its own fighter jet – the KAAN – which is expected to enter service by 2028, according to Turkey.

Turkey and the US are the two owners of NATO's largest militaries, and on Turkish territory is located Incirlik Base – one of America's most important bases in the Middle East. Nevertheless, Turkey has maintained balanced relations with Russia over the years, even after the invasion of Ukraine, and frequently presents itself as a possible mediator in talks and has hosted them in the past.

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Dozens of prominent figures are scheduled to attend the all-day event at the Hilton Midtown, bringing together the people behind the world's most dramatic news. The lineup includes current and former senior government officials, leading business executives, heads of major Jewish organizations, survivors of Hamas captivity, and families of the hostages.

The conference is positioned as one of the year's most significant international events, focusing squarely on the central relationship between Israel and the US, as well as the unique and growing challenges faced by the world's largest Jewish community outside of Israel.

Dr. Miriam Adelson is hosting the conference, which will feature former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator John Fetterman, Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, former US Ambassador David Friedman, former Ambassador and Minister Gilad Erdan, Minister Amichai Chikli, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, and many other leading figures from the diplomatic sphere.

Key leaders from the Jewish community, dedicated to reinforcing the bond between US Jews and Israel, will also be featured. These include Ron Lauder, Malcolm Hoenlein, Rabbi Ari Berman, Elan Carr, Sylvan Adams, and several others.

Shar-Shalom Gerbi, Director of the Education and Community Division at Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-JNF, who is also participating, stated, "KKL-JNF considers the bond between Israel and Diaspora Jewry to be a national mission. We work to strengthen national unity among the people through education, leadership, and deep exposure to the Israeli story. As a Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) who served dozens of days in Operation Swords of Iron and witnessed the profound strength and self-sacrifice of contemporary young Israelis, I am committed, alongside my colleagues at KKL-JNF, to empowering a young generation connected to values, Zionism, and engagement, ensuring the intergenerational connection remains vibrant, meaningful, and strengthening."

A major portion of the conference will be dedicated to Operation Swords of Iron, examining its many facets, with a dedicated, central chapter focusing on the hostages still held in Gaza.

The conference host, Yoav Limor, will lead an open interview with survivors of captivity, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, who will share their personal testimonies on stage. Limor will also interview the families of captivity survivor Edan Alexander and the family of Omer Neutra, the fallen soldier abducted to Gaza, who was recently returned for burial in Israel.

The discussions will further explore the strategic considerations that shaped cooperation between Jerusalem and Washington throughout the war. Morgan Ortagus, who served as a representative of the American administration in the Middle East, will share revelations about the joint war rooms. Amos Hochstein will address the northern front, discussing whether Israel and Lebanon are moving toward or away from a resolution. Other panels will cover the future of the State of Israel post-war, the effect of escalating antisemitism on Jewish communities, and the media's role during a time of national security and social crisis.

The economic segments of the conference will highlight Jewish and Israeli growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial processes. For example, Ofra Strauss will speak with Yasmine Lukatz about maintaining business resilience during crises, while Michael Eisenberg will present The 11th Million Vision, his initiative to bring one million additional Jews to Israel to strengthen the nation's economic, technological, and social forces.

Yoel Zilberman, CEO and founder of Hashomer Hahadash organization, another participant, noted, "While Israel is learning, correcting, and actively rebuilding its security power even as it fights a war on seven fronts, Jewish communities worldwide have found themselves unprotected on the front line. Jews are confronting hatred on campuses, in the streets, and in synagogues. This reality mandates change, necessitating a move to establish a global Jewish security network – a 'guard for the Jewish people' – that will connect global communities, Israel, and state security bodies."

Other notable participants will include Avigdor Kahalani, Chairman of the Shazar Center, Shaul Shani, Chairman of the Rashi Foundation, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Reichman University, Itai Granek, Director General of the Ministry of Heritage, Michal Gerstler, Head of Communications and Government Relations at El Al, and many others.

Tickets here: https://tickchak.co.il/Israel1

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Not only has no one in the world claimed that Israel violated the agreement, but Hezbollah is also afraid to return fire. Iran's flailing puppet is imprisoned in two ways – diplomatically and militarily.

Ron Dermer, who shaped the terms of the agreement on Israel's behalf, explained immediately after it was signed that this would be the outcome. In closed conversations, Dermer detailed the rules and mechanisms that were established. It was clear that Israel maintained a large scope of action to deal with any danger it identified, and this is what happened over the past year.

Dermer was also right when he argued that the IDF's operation in Lebanon at the time had exhausted its objectives. Consequently, Israel was faced with the choice between agreeing to the deal offered by the American envoy Hochstein or undertaking a full occupation of Lebanon. Occupation was and remains the only military way to eliminate Hezbollah, but today this option is not truly relevant, as Israel will not take on the management of Lebanon.

The decision to close the Lebanon front was correct for its time. The problems have not ended in the current round either, as Hezbollah is working energetically to rearm. The Israeli Air Force is working hard in Lebanon, but cannot keep pace. As was learned the hard way in Gaza, from the air, one can delay enemies, but not eliminate them. Complete elimination is only possible with a full ground occupation – something the Israeli public is currently not interested in.

According to well-informed diplomatic officials, the Trump administration set December 31 this year as the final date for the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah. Should Lebanon fail to comply, the responsibility for the violation will rest with it. One of the fundamental lessons of October 7 is not to allow the enemy to build up power across the border. The current situation indicates that there will soon be no choice but to implement this lesson.

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"The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social before their death was announced.

Following the shooting, the White House was placed on lockdown, although Trump was not on site at the time. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have been briefed and are receiving continuous updates. The FBI is present at the scene, but no further details about the suspect or motive have been released yet, Fox News reported. The shooter was also critically wounded by the members of the National Guard who were attacked, and he was reportedly taken to the hospital in critical condition.

BREAKING — massive police and National Guard presence at Farragut West metro station. A block from White House. pic.twitter.com/Hz2wjjWa6d

— Jay O'Brien (@jayobtv) November 26, 2025

Authorities continue to investigate the incident while urging the public to avoid the area. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her thoughts and prayers for the National Guardsmen injured in the shooting. President Trump has been informed and is monitoring the situation as law enforcement secures the scene.

JUST IN: New video captures chaotic aftermath of downtown D.C. shooting that injured two National Guard troops near White House; suspect in custody
pic.twitter.com/r2mvNL82UJ

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) November 26, 2025

This is an ongoing event.

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Pollard confirmed the meeting to the newspaper and noted this was the first time an American official hosted him in an office since his release. "It was a friendly meeting," he was quoted as saying. It should be noted that after being released from prison, Pollard is prevented from returning to the US, so the meeting with Huckabee could only take place in Israel.

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Before President Donald Trump unveiled and approved his plan in September, the president and his team presented their position to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. The administration contended that remaining plan components – hostage repatriation, Hamas weapons dismantlement, and Gaza neutralization – would offset the "statehood pathway" provision against Israel threats. The Americans leveraged the Palestinian state argument to pressure Turkey and Qatar into demanding Hamas accept hostage release terms, Israel was informed at the time.

The US further committed to accepting an Israeli-determined schedule for subsequent pullbacks aligned with Israel's security perception. The sides also established that Israel's deployment in the Perimeter and Philadelphi Corridor wouldn't face temporal restrictions, contingent on security conditions.

In Israel, authorities stress that the sale transpired following a consultation in Jerusalem. The calculated assessment projects that aircraft marketed to Saudi Arabia would materialize approximately five years hence, representing models that omit the most sophisticated systems Israel's Air Force commands. Netanyahu previously agreed to sell such aircraft to the United Arab Emirates before signing the Abraham Accords five and a half years ago. That transaction hasn't yet materialized, but it is anticipated to be realized imminently.

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In February 2012 correspondence with Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi, Chaudhary posted, "Hitler..why don't you face our Pakistani people? Your daughter works at WSJ [the Wall Street Journal]," followed by the Urdu phrase "oh forgot that Jew hoga tera baap" — meaning roughly "Jew will be your father." Additional messages showed him celebrating Ahmadinejad while writing, "This banda [person] is fearless RT "@murtazasolangi President Ahmedinejad has declared Israel as cancer which will be eliminated very soon," to Pakistani official Murtaza Solangi. His November 2012 posts included, "There is a barbaric nation who's killing indigents and innocent Palestinians called ISRAEL. TALK about it. #stupid media," and he questioned LGBTQ rights by posting, "@SaifsDen I too read a piece on Gay rights. To be honest, it is purely claptrap. Doesn't make sense. Boundary line should be drawn somewhere."

Chaudhary, now 31, apologized Sunday to The New York Post, stating: "I apologize for my tweets, as they do not reflect my current views, or represent who I am today," and, "Those comments from over a decade ago are not in line with how I see the world, and I look back at that rhetoric and mindset with deep regret." Jewish activists condemned the statements, with former Brooklyn assemblyman Dov Hikind of Americans Against Antisemitism declaring, "This is Adolf Hitler language. It's antisemitic. It's a horror show," and blaming Mamdani, who supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement (BDS) against Israel. Hikind stated, "The fish stinks from the head. Mamdani sets the tone. It's a hate-filled administration." Political consultant and rabbi Hank Sheinkopf emphasized "words matter," warning, "This advisor to the mayor is clearly by his own words a Jew hater," and asking, "The only issue: it always begins with the Jews but never ends with the Jews. Who's next on the list?"

A Mamdani transition representative condemned Chaudhary's language while clarifying he serves as Muslim outreach director rather than political director, with spokesperson Dora Pekec stating: "These comments from over a decade ago are reprehensible and in no way reflect the views of the Mayor-elect or this transition. The mayor elect has made this clear internally and consistently during the campaign and transition." The spokesperson didn't signal that Chaudhury would be dismissed for the past inflammatory remarks. His previous roles included serving as a senior community organizer for Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and as a digital organizer for the Working Families Party.

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