Bill Maher mocks Mamdani for being ‘deaf’ in criticism of Israel during October 7 tribute

Comedian Bill Maher took aim at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his statement marking the third anniversary of Hamas’ deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7.

Maher used Friday’s episode of “Real Time” to criticize Mamdani’s statement, in which the mayor called the day “deeply painful for so many New Yorkers” and said the city was grieving “alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry this unthinkable loss.”

Mamdani later condemned Israel’s defensive actions, writing: “The suffering did not begin and end that day. Rather, it continued through the Israeli government’s devastating and ongoing genocide in Gaza, during which it killed more than 74,000 Palestinians, including more than 21,000 children.”

The mayor went on to write that “even since the so-called ceasefire, more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed,” adding that “many New Yorkers are facing this unbearable grief, and we grieve with them – knowing that our tax dollars fund these war crimes.”

Mamdani also wrote: “Three years later, we must refuse to accept a world in which occupation and apartheid persist, where war crimes are punished with impunity, and where our federal government continues to be complicit in every arms shipment. »

“To honor the dead, we must fight for a world in which everyone can live in freedom, security and dignity,” the mayor said.

Mamdani’s reaction on the anniversary did not go down well with Maher, who harshly criticized the mayor.

“Mayor Mamdani is not very sympathetic about it, but he made some nice remarks about it,” Maher said, referring to Mamdani’s statement.

“But then he pivoted to ‘but Israel made them do it,’” Maher said, offering his interpretation of the mayor’s remarks.

The comedian also poked fun at Mamdani’s past career as a rapper, during which he performed under the stage names “Young Cardamom” and “Mr. Cardamom.”

“You know, he was a rapper. His rap name was ‘Tone Deaf,'” Maher joked.

Mamdani also faced criticism earlier this week after dining Wednesday at Ayat Hinds Hall, a Palestinian restaurant.

The restaurant’s sister location drew criticism in 2023 for menu language that critics called anti-Semitic.

The partner restaurant had previously drawn criticism after The Times of Israel reported that the first page of its menu featured the phrase “Down with the occupation” in English, Arabic and Hebrew.

Owner Abdul Elenani previously said the language was on the menu before Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff, however, suggested that Maher’s criticism could benefit Mamdani politically.

“At first glance, it might seem like Mamdani missed the mark with his statement or that he’s ‘tone deaf’ as Maher puts it — but I would argue that it was actually a page from the Trump playbook,” Shroff told Fox News Digital.

“Mamdani’s base blamed him for asking the NYPD to protect Netanyahu, detaining Commissioner Tisch, arresting protesters, and failing to keep his promise to disband the Strategic Response Group,” Shroff continued.

“And a tweet or statement that fits what his base wants to hear, that ruffles feathers, grabs headlines, and draws backlash is a way to try to appease his supporters and look like a fighter on key campaign issues that he’s actually walked away from.”

Shroff went on to suggest that Maher’s criticism of Mamdani actually helps the mayor solidify his support among those who might have questioned his commitment to his campaign promises regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“To that end, Maher actually helps him react that way,” Shroff said.

“For some Mamdani fans, the fact that he angered people like Maher is a sign that he is still the same candidate they voted for.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani administration for comment but did not receive an immediate response.