Mamdani pledged a future for Palestinians in New York amid calls to ‘arrest Netanyahu, free Palestine’

On a cold night, New York wrote a new chapter in its history when Zahran Mamdani was sworn in as the city’s mayor, becoming the first Muslim and the youngest mayor in a century, according to an opinion article published by the Russian news agency RT.

The swearing-in ceremony was held on the steps of Manhattan City Hall, where Mamdani placed his hand on the Holy Quran and took the oath of office. Tens of thousands of residents attended the event, which featured Palestinian flags and banners that read “Free Palestine” and “Our enemy is Netanyahu.” 

Supporters described the event as one promising social justice and deep change.

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The gathering drew several well-known figures, including actress Susan Sarandon, former New York governor candidate Cynthia Nixon in 2018, and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a leading figure in protests at Columbia University against the Israeli occupation.

The event also included a direct reminder of the Palestinian cause. A Palestinian-American woman, Maimouna Hassan, approached cameras holding a small cake and Palestinian flags and said confidently: “Don’t forget, Mamdani. You promised to arrest Netanyahu. You promised to free Palestine.”

In his inaugural speech, Mamdani spoke directly to Palestinian communities in areas such as Bay Ridge. He said they would no longer be excluded from political life and stressed that they would have the chance to tell their own stories and take part in shaping the future of New York City.

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