NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani appoints pro-Palestinians to inaugural panel

• Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced a 45-member inaugural committee for his January 1, 2026, swearing-in, featuring a diverse mix of cultural icons and political organizers to plan a "by and for New Yorkers" celebration.
• The appointments have sparked significant controversy due to the inclusion of high-profile pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist figures, such as Jewish Voice for Peace's Beth Miller and YouTuber Ms. Rachel, drawing sharp criticism from groups like StopAntisemitism.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced the formation of his inaugural committee on Wednesday, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for January 1, 2026.

The committee, comprising 45 honorary members, is described as largely symbolic and tasked with advising on the inauguration events, including a public block party in downtown Manhattan.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the first Muslim-American to hold the office, emphasized that the group includes some of the city's most creative and experienced individuals to create an event "by and for New Yorkers."

Among the notable appointees are several figures known for their pro-Palestinian advocacy and criticism of ‘Israeli’ policies.

Children's YouTube educator Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, has been included; she has raised funds for children in Gaza amid the ongoing assault and faced accusations from groups like StopAntisemitism of promoting pro-Hamas narratives.

Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, an anti-Zionist organization, has also been named; she has publicly described ‘Israel's’ actions in Gaza as genocide and apartheid in opinion pieces supporting Mamdani.

Actress Cynthia Nixon, a longtime critic of ‘Israel’, joins the committee as well. Nixon recently signed a petition endorsed by over 4,000 film industry professionals calling for a boycott of ‘Israeli’ cultural institutions implicated in what signatories term genocide and apartheid against Palestinians.

Additionally, Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the liberal New York Jewish Agenda, is part of the group.

The committee also features a diverse array of cultural and political figures, including actors Kal Penn, John Turturro, and Luis Guzman; novelist Min Jin Lee; Broadway performer Cole Escola; and internet personality The Kid Mero.

Political representatives from organizations such as the New York Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, and New York Communities for Change are likewise included.

The selections have sparked controversy, particularly from Jewish advocacy groups concerned about “antisemitism”.

StopAntisemitism labeled the committee a "rogue’s gallery" and urged an investigation into Ms. Rachel's activities, while former CUNY trustee Jeffrey Wiesenfeld described the appointments as a "disgrace" and claimed it could signal challenges for Jewish and Christian communities under Mamdani's administration.