Exclusive | Ex-Dem NY gov compares Mamdani to famed segregationist as he pushes probe into whether his anti-Israel crusade is inciting violence

Former Gov.David Paterson compared Mayor Zohran Mamdani to segregationist George Wallace as he pushed for a federal investigation into whether Hizzoner is inciting anti-Jewish violence.Paterson, who is also a former chairman of the state Democratic Party, said Mamdani’s antagonist stance against Israel – including his empty threat to arrest Irael Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – could be a dog whistle to antisemites.“Mamdani is the 2020s answer to George Wallace,” said Paterson, who is black.

Wallace, a four-time presidential candidate and former governor of Alabama, infamously proclaimed,” segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.”Paterson said the social-media focused socialist mayor is not explicitly calling for violence in his anti-Israel rhetoric, but like Wallace it could fuel people on the brink.“It’s taking those people on the edge and making them more likely to commit violence.It’s giving fodder to antisemitic people.” Paterson claimed.He said he’s co-writing a letter with Dov Hikind, former Brooklyn assemblyman and founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, asking the US Justice Department to investigate whether Mamdani is violating federal laws.They will ask other elected officials and New York leaders to sign the letter.The extraordinary move comes days after crazed defendant Raul Morales screamed “Allahu Akbar” while allegedly stabbing an Asian and Jewish man in separate harrowing hate attacks on the Upper West Side on Thursday.Morales was arraigned on two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault and one count of attempted assault—all of which are being tried as hate crimes.The attack has left New York City Jews on edge.Paterson noted that Jewish leaders were key players in the civil rights movement pushing for equality for African-Americans in the 1960s, and it’s time to return the favor.“We remember when it was happening to us.

I don’t think there are enough people standing up for the...