September 15, 2026
The schools appear to have been careful not to refer to the event as a “protest,” describing it in their communications as a “communal prayer” and a “student-led communal Shacharit.” Their messaging about the reason for the demonstration, too, has been vague. The emails viewed by Jewish Currents do not mention Mamdani’s criticism of Israel or his condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two major points of tension between the mayor and the Jewish establishment.
Despite the cautious tone, it is hard to read this mustering of day-school students outside Gracie Mansion as anything other than an act of protest against Mamdani, and an implicit charge that he poses a particular threat to observant Jews in the city. “It is time for us to stand up and be heard,” the email to Ramaz parents read. “It is time to show up proudly as Jews, as New Yorkers, and as Zionists.”
This could backfire horribly for them. If Mamdani actually goes out and greets them, talks with them, and is just a nice person, this is going to make him look so good while making them look silly. From everything I know about him, this isn’t unlikely either. The only concern is about making this acceptable, but since the children didn’t play a role in this it seems fine to me.