By now it should be obvious to all people of good will that Italian-Americans have zero tolerance for hate.

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.

He insists upon his “right” to hate, and for those he hates, his advice is that we must bend to his definition, bend to his view of who were are. 

Zohran Mamdani supports the destruction of memorials honoring the singular achievements of Christopher Columbus, and he supports terminating Columbus Day, a longtime national holiday. These are symbols that hold deep meaning for many, especially within the Italian-American community. 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. 

Zohran Mamdani has fueled the rise of antisemitism by refusing to denounce dangerous rhetoric such as “globalize the intifada,” a slogan that means kill Jewish people. His presence at rallies where such language is used lends implicit support to messages that promote hate and division. As a public figure, his failure to condemn these expressions emboldens those who promote antisemitic ideology. 

You may disagree with actions by countries. 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.

We call upon Zohran 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.