World Zionist Organization (WZO) Chairman Yaakov Hagoel has "no authority" to invite New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to march in the Israel Day Parade, Ofir Akunis, Israeli Consul General in New York, said on Wednesday.
Hagoel initially invited Mamdani to the parade at the Besheva Group's Jerusalem Conference on Tuesday.
"Tens of thousands of Jews march there every year," Hagoel said during an interview with Dudu Saada, chairman of the group. "I am calling for him [Mamdani] to come and march at my side, and at the side of tens of thousands of Jews, for the nation and the country of Israel."
Hagoel also stated during the interview that he planned on reiterating the invitation in person if he is able to meet with Mamdani in New York during an upcoming visit.
"I wrote to him on International Holocaust Memorial Day," Hagoel added. "'Mr. Mayor, you are mistaken. The first two decisions you made when you entered office were not to prevent protests outside of synagogues, and reverting the definition of antisemitic behavior away from the IHRA's definition."
According to Hagoel, Mamdani never responded to his letter.
Mamdani does not acknowledge Israel as Jewish state
Akunis, in a response to Hagoel's invitation, claimed that he had no authority to invite Mamdani, whom he said does not recognize the state of Israel as a Jewish state.
"The Israeli Consul of New York will lead Israel's march at the end of May," Akunis stated, "And in it will march ministers, Knesset members, mayors, and other guests who will be invited by the consul. Mr. Hagoel is invited to march with us, as in every year, as a guest, and not to invite others who don't acknowledge Israel's existence as a Jewish state."
Hagoel responded to Akunis later on Wednesday, telling Walla "My call as the head of the World Zionist Movement to New York Mayor Mamdani is not symbolic, it is a demand for action. When he abolishes the protection of Jews and removes his commitment to international definitions of antisemitism, he cannot be content with words. We will not remain silent in the face of slogans. If Mamdani is indeed committed to the security of the Jewish community, I expect him to prove it with a public act of marching with us. We are strong, we will not lower our heads, and we will insist that actions speak for themselves."
Mamdani is known for being a vocal critic of Israeli policies and an advocate for Palestinian rights. He has also said he would arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he came to New York City.
Joanie Margulies contributed to this report.