'Shame, shame, shame' On Satmar leader for saying it's Torah violation to criticize Mamdani, experts say

Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, one of two grand rebbes of the Satmar Chassidic movement, stated that criticizing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani violates Torah commandments. The remarks, delivered in Yiddish during a Sunday address marking the 47th anniversary of Satmar founder Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum's death, have drawn criticism from Jewish community figures.

Dov Hikind, former New York state Assembly member and founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, expressed skepticism about the rabbi's religious motivations. "I wish I could believe that it was l'shma, that it was sincere, that it was all about Torah and it was all about God," Hikind said. "But I don't believe that for one second."

Teitelbaum told followers that criticizing the mayor violates religious rules governing Jewish life in exile. According to a translation of his remarks, he invoked the prophet Jeremiah's instruction: "Seek the peace of the city to which I have exiled you, and pray to God on its behalf." He stated that "an observant Jew must follow the Torah's path and accept the decree of exile" And cautioned against efforts to "brand" Mamdani as an antisemite.

Mamdani has stated Israel should not exist as a Jewish state and campaigned on having the Israeli prime minister arrested in New York. His spokeswoman said synagogues violate international law when hosting pro-Israel events.

Hikind argued the statement endangers Jewish New Yorkers, particularly given rising antisemitism and ongoing police and Justice Department scrutiny of incitement. He suggested political rather than purely theological motivations and expressed concern that Satmar may benefit from the rhetoric. "Instead of protecting the Jewish community, they are protecting Mamdani," He said.

David Myers, UCLA distinguished professor of Jewish history and former president of the Center for Jewish History, contextualized Satmar's position. The group combines anti-Zionism based on opposition to hastening the messiah through human action with the principle dinah d'malchutah dinah - the notion that Jews must abide by the law of the land. Myers noted Satmar also practices "transactional pragmatism" In dealings with secular political leaders.

"It is certainly an opportunity to reaffirm Rabbi Yoelish's central principles, but the swirling debates around Mayor Mamdani's views also prompted Rabbi Zalman Leib to weigh in," Myers said. He cautioned against viewing Orthodoxy as monolithic, noting sharp differences between competing groups.

An Orthodox resident of Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood said he agreed with Teitelbaum's remarks, arguing that confrontation benefits neither the Jewish community nor public discourse. "I don't think that if you fight fire with fire it's good for the Jewish people," He told JNS.

Hikind disagreed firmly, stating that the elder Teitelbaum "never would have done this," Particularly amid rising antisemitism in New York City. "The Jewish community is under attack," He said. "I know we're in exile. I get it. But that doesn't mean that Jews should not defend themselves or that Jews should not protect their communities."