'See who the real enemy is': Israeli envoy Akunis invites Mamdani to view October 7 footage

Akunis extended the invitation to Mamdani during a memorial ceremony held by the Israeli Consulate in the city, attended by some 1,000 people, and simultaneously sent him a formal letter.

Israel's Consul-General in New York, Ofir Akunis, invited New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday evening to view the 47-minute film documenting the October 7 massacre, which will be screened in New York to mark three years since the attack.

Akunis extended the invitation to Mamdani during a memorial ceremony held by the Israeli Consulate in the city, attended by some 1,000 people, and simultaneously sent him a formal letter.

"In less than 48 hours, on October 7, we will screen in New York City the 47-minute atrocity film produced by the IDF," Akunis said in his speech. "I invite Mr. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor, to come and watch the film. For the first time, he will be able to see what the people he supports actually did, and perhaps he will stop his relentless incitement, hatred, and blood libels against the State of Israel."

In the letter sent to Mamdani, Akunis wrote that the film documents the events of October 7, including footage recorded by Hamas terrorists themselves.

"Your words against the State of Israel are a significant factor in the rise of antisemitism in New York," he wrote. "Perhaps after watching the film, you will understand why the existence of the State of Israel as the state of the Jewish people is so important and why we will continue to defend ourselves at any cost."

Akunis hits back at international criticism of Israel

In his speech, Akunis also addressed leaders and elected officials around the world who criticized Israel during the war.

"Three years after the massacre, this is an opportunity to ask world leaders, presidents, prime ministers, elected officials and mayors who continue to criticize us: What would you do if those savage people invaded your country or your city and brutally murdered innocent civilians?"

"What would you do if a member of your family, your son, your daughter, were burned before your eyes?" he continued. "We are done listening to your empty criticism. We are not impressed by your cowardly actions, your hypocrisy and your weakness."

Akunis concluded his invitation to Mamdani with the message: "Anyone who watches the film and has a human heart will understand who the real enemy is."

Akunis, Mamdani feud over Israel 

Akunis and Mamdani have clashed several times in recent months over the mayor's approach toward Israel.

After Mamdani rescinded orders issued by his predecessor, including the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, Akunis warned that the move "places the city's Jewish communities in immediate danger."

In February, Akunis announced that he would not meet with Mamdani until the mayor recognized Israel as a Jewish state.

In May, after Mamdani decided not to participate in the city's Israel parade, Akunis called him "a true hater of the State of Israel" and said he was not welcome at the parade.

In June, after Mamdani said he could not support a state that gives preference to one religion, Akunis responded: "No one needs your recognition of Israel."