On July 30, 2026, the End Jew Hatred movement launched a petition calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to initiate removal proceedings against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani under Section 9 of the New York Public Officers Law. The petition follows a series of antisemitic stabbings in New York City that have heightened concerns about public safety and hate crimes.
According to the petition, the stabbings occurred over the past week, with at least three incidents targeting Jewish individuals in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has reported that the attacks are being investigated as hate crimes, and no arrests have been made as of yet. The petition argues that Mayor Mamdani's response has been inadequate, citing his failure to address the rise in antisemitic violence and his previous statements criticizing the NYPD's handling of hate crimes.
Section 9 of the New York Public Officers Law allows the governor to remove a mayor after a hearing, but only on charges of misconduct or neglect of duty. Legal experts note that such removal proceedings are rare and require substantial evidence. Governor Hochul's office has not yet commented on the petition, but a spokesperson said that the governor is monitoring the situation closely.
Mayor Mamdani, who took office in January 2026, has faced criticism from Jewish community leaders for his stance on Israel and his support for pro-Palestinian protests. In response to the stabbings, Mamdani issued a statement condemning the attacks and promising increased police patrols in affected neighborhoods. However, the End Jew Hatred petition claims that his actions have been insufficient and calls for his removal to restore public trust.
The petition has gained significant traction online, with over 50,000 signatures as of July 31, 2026. It will be delivered to Governor Hochul's office once it reaches 100,000 signatures. The Jewish community in New York remains on edge, with many calling for stronger measures to combat hate crimes.
