NYC Mayor Compares 'Genocide' in Palestine to Irish Oppression at St. Patrick's Day Event

Mamdani's remarks on the Israel-Hamas war drew criticism as he hosted Ireland's former president at Gracie Mansion.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a St. Patrick's Day celebration at Gracie Mansion to compare the plight of the Irish to the 'genocide' in Palestine, criticizing the 'deafening silence from so many' on the Israel-Hamas war. Mamdani hosted Ireland's former President Mary Robinson, praising her human rights record and history of standing with Palestine. The mayor's politicized remarks came just hours before he was set to attend a Catholic mass and march in the city's iconic St. Patrick's Day parade.

Why it matters

Mamdani's comments at a traditionally apolitical St. Patrick's Day event drew criticism, with some seeing his remarks as an attempt to draw parallels between the Irish struggle and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The mayor's statements highlighted the ongoing tensions around the Israel-Hamas war and the divisive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, even at celebratory community events.

The details

In his remarks, Mamdani praised former Irish President Mary Robinson for her human rights record and support for Palestine. He said, 'As we've witnessed a genocide unfold before our eyes, there has been deafening silence from so many.' The mayor also thanked Irish New Yorkers for helping to take up the 'fight for a future of justice.' Mamdani's comments came just hours before he was scheduled to attend a Catholic mass and march in the city's St. Patrick's Day parade.

  • On March 17, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted a St. Patrick's Day breakfast at Gracie Mansion.
  • Mamdani was scheduled to attend a Catholic mass and march in the New York City St. Patrick's Day parade later that day.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic socialist mayor of New York City who made the controversial remarks at the St. Patrick's Day event.

Mary Robinson

The former president of Ireland who was hosted by Mamdani at the St. Patrick's Day breakfast.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Who can better understand those who weep than those who have been made to weep for so long? The story of the Irish, both in Ireland and in New York City, is at one time a story of oppression, of subjugation and of discrimination.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Post)

“For those who have long cared about universal human rights and the extension of them to Palestinians, silence, however, is nothing new, for Palestinians are so often left to weep alone. Yet, former President Robinson has never been silent.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Post)

What’s next

The mayor's remarks at the St. Patrick's Day event are likely to continue generating controversy, with some criticizing his decision to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a traditionally apolitical celebration. It remains to be seen if Mamdani will face any backlash or calls for him to clarify or retract his statements.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's comparison of the plight of the Irish to the 'genocide' in Palestine at a St. Patrick's Day event underscores the divisive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of keeping politics out of community celebrations. The mayor's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions around this issue and the difficulty in finding common ground, even at events meant to bring people together.