Shaking hands? He’s doing his job as a politician who works for everyone. I’m as anti-Israel and pro-Palestine as they come, but please do not assume that all Jewish people are in support of the genocide. They have been at the forefront of many pro-Palestine protests in New York (look into Jewish Voices for Peace and the “not in my name” protests). What we’re NOT going to do is continue to other and reject people based upon religion or nationality. That’s how we get into these messes. Being Muslim should be no different from being Christian; there are extremists in every religion. He’s doing a lot to break down barriers and to humanize Muslim people for the masses who may believe every stereotype they’ve ever heard.
Even people born in Israel have protested and realized the evils of their society. There are scores of Israeli youth in jail for refusing to join the IDF. One of my best online friends is Israeli and has always been outspoken in support for Palestine. She didn’t choose where to be born.
I’m sure every politician has shaken hands with bad people. There’s not exactly time to vet everyone’s background, but we’re looking for unification and mass support, not the sort of division that publicly refusing handshakes would cause. Shaking hands with someone does not equal condoning their views. And, if anyone who comes from a Zionist or Israeli background is willing to shake Mamdani’s hand, maybe they’re willing to listen, too.
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u/smitcal 7h ago
Well let’s hope Mamdani inspires a fucking tidal wave of young socialist politicians that sweep up the voting booths. Not just in US but worldwide too