not let himself seem like he's minimizing the fear of Jews in New York and elsewhere feel from the threat of hate against them.

Yes, Mamdani should absolutely not minimize the fears of Jews, for many Jews fear being lumped in and associated with the hate-group movement known as Zionism. It is important that he make a clear statement on the distinction that Jews are not Zionists (not by default, though sadly some Jews have bought into the Nazi-like cult of Zionism) and Zionists are not necessarily Jews. It must be reiterated that Judaism is completely distinct from Zionism, the Nazi-like fascist cult, and to conflate the two is deeply antisemitic. Mamdani would do well to make it known that he will not stand for this kind of slander of the Jewish people and that he will do whatever he can with his powers as Mayor to prevent any such attempts to further smear Jewish people with the Zionist label. Mamdani should remind all of New York City that Jews are lovingly welcomed, but the antisemitic Zionists shall not be tolerated.

I wonder what old Bernard's reaction would have been if Mamdani had responded to him with something like that.