Amy Spitalnick is chief executive of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. She previously led Integrity First for America and held communications and policy roles in New York City and New York State government.
Case
Rudy Giuliani, George Pataki, and some September 11 victims’ relatives opposed Zohran Mamdani attending the 2026 memorial, citing his rhetoric and associations. Mamdani said he would honor victims; other elected officials and a family group said excluding the sitting mayor would politicize the commemoration.
Role at the time: Jewish Council for Public Affairs chief executive, interviewed by the Forward
Responding to
Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
"coded language to smear all Muslim leaders as terrorists"
Challenges the rhetoric, not every attendance objection or criticism of Mamdani.
Statement dates: September 10, 2026
Statement dates: September 10, 2026
